Kingdom Living
All men live in a natural kingdom of this world. They live in a city or village which is part of a nation. That nation is a kingdom of the world.
In addition to the natural kingdoms of this world there are two spiritual kingdoms which exist.
Every person alive is a resident of one of these two kingdoms: The kingdom of Satan or the Kingdom of God.
This course concerns the Kingdom of God. It introduces the two spiritual kingdoms, their rulers, and residents. It provides spiritual keys for gaining access to the Kingdom of God and warns of things which result in being cast out of the Kingdom. The past, present, and future of this Kingdom are examined, Kingdom parables are explained, and its patterns and principles of living are stressed.
Why is study of the Kingdom of God important?
Jesus told His followers:
And this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. (Matthew 24:14)
Before Jesus returns to set up His Kingdom in its final form, the Gospel of the Kingdom must be extended throughout the nations of the world.
In order to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom, you must understand the Kingdom of God.
Before you can become custodian to the keys to the Kingdom, you must first experience that Kingdom.
In the past, much emphasis has been placed on the life and ministry of the King of the Kingdom, Jesus Christ, and rightly so. But not enough emphasis has been given the Gospel of the Kingdom.
Jesus told the religious leaders of His time:
…ye shut up the Kingdom of Heaven against men: For ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. (Matthew 23:13)
It was this Gospel of the Kingdom which was the central purpose of Christ’s life. He began His earthly ministry by declaring the arrival of the Kingdom (Matthew 4:17). He ended His earthly ministry by speaking of things pertaining to the Kingdom (Acts 1:3). In between the beginning and ending of His earthly ministry, the emphasis was on the Kingdom:
And He said unto them, I must preach the Kingdom of God to other cities also; for therefore am I sent. (Luke 4:43)
The Kingdom of God was the greatest concern of Jesus. His teachings and parables focused on the Kingdom. His miracles were a demonstration of the Kingdom of God in action.
The phrases “Kingdom of God” and “Kingdom of Heaven” are used over 100 times in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. We are told to seek first the Kingdom, to pray for it, and to preach it. We are told how to enter the Kingdom and taught that residency in it requires a new lifestyle.
To enter this Kingdom, to maintain residency, and to fulfill the commission to preach its Gospel to the world it is necessary to understand the principles and patterns of the Kingdom. That is the purpose of this course.
But there is a greater purpose than just understanding Kingdom principles. You must go beyond mere knowledge of the Kingdom to actually experience it and make it the central purpose of your
life.
People seek for meaning in life. They want a cause for which to live and die. Make the Kingdom of God your central purpose of life and ministry. It is a Kingdom which cannot be shaken by enemy forces. It is an eternal cause to which you can give your total allegiance.
Upon completion of this course you will be able to:
- Identify the invisible spiritual kingdoms.
- Identify the rulers of the invisible kingdoms.
- Identify the residents of the invisible kingdoms.
- Explain how entry is gained into the Kingdom of God.
- Summarize the past, present, and future of the Kingdom of God.
- List sins which prevent entrance into the Kingdom of God.
- Recognize the importance of spiritual patterns and principles.
- Demonstrate understanding of basic principles of the Kingdom of God.
- Demonstrate understanding of Kingdom parables.
- Become an ambassador of the Kingdom of God by spreading the Gospel of the Kingdom.
- Continue independent study of the Kingdom of God.
- Continue independent study of the ministry and teachings of Jesus Christ
The Invisible Kingdom
- Write the Key Verse from memory.
- Define the word “king.”
- Identify Jesus as King of the Kingdom of God.
- Continue further study of the life and ministry of King Jesus.
And He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of His Kingdom there shall be no end. (Luke 1:33)
This chapter concerns the natural and spiritual worlds. The natural world is that which you can see, hear, touch, or taste. It is the visible world around you. But there is another world which surrounds you of which you are a part. It is an invisible world which is composed of two spiritual kingdoms. In this chapter you will learn about these spiritual kingdoms, their rulers, and residents. You will learn of the Kingdom of Satan and the Kingdom of God.
Man exists in two worlds: The natural world and the spiritual world. The natural world is that which can be seen, felt, touched, heard, or tasted. It is tangible and visible. The country, nation, city or village in which you live is part of the natural world. You are the resident of a natural kingdom located on one of the visible continents of the world. You can see the people who are part of your environment. You can communicate with them. You can experience the sights,
sounds, and smells around you.
But there is another world in which you live. That world is a spiritual world. You cannot see it with your physical eyes, but it is just as real as the natural world. Paul speaks of this division of natural and spiritual:
There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. (I Corinthians 15:40)
All men have a natural body which lives in the natural world. But man is also a spiritual being with an eternal soul and spirit. Man is body, soul, and spirit. Your spiritual being (soul and spirit) is part of a spiritual world just as your natural body is part of the natural world.
There are natural kingdoms of this world. A natural kingdom is a territory or people over whom a king rules. The Bible speaks of the kingdoms of the world. The kingdoms of the world are presently under the control of Satan:
Again, the Devil taketh Him (Jesus) up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth Him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto Him, All these things will I give thee, if you wilt fall down and worship me. (Matthew 4:8-9)
In the future, all the kingdoms of the world will become kingdoms of God and He will rule over them:
And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever. (Revelation 11:15)
In the natural world a king is the sovereign ruler of the kingdom. All the territory and people of the kingdom belong to him. He has the power of life and death over his subjects.
The spiritual world is composed of two spiritual kingdoms, the Kingdom of Satan and the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of Satan consists of Satan, spiritual beings called demons, and all men who live in sin and rebellion to God’s Word. The Kingdom of God consists of God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, spiritual beings called angels, and all men who live in righteous obedience to God’s Word.
There is one Kingdom of God, but it is described in different ways in Scripture. The expression “Kingdom of Heaven” is also used as a name for the Kingdom of God.
This Kingdom is identical with the Kingdom of the Father (Matthew 26:29), of Jesus (Revelation 1:9), of Christ Jesus (II Timothy 4:1), of Christ and God (Ephesians 5:5), of “our Lord and His Christ” (Revelation 11:15), of “our God, and the power of His Christ” (Revelation 12:10), and “of the Son of His love” (Colossians 1:13). All of these are names for the Kingdom of God. For purposes of simplicity, the single title “Kingdom of God” is used in this course.
The Kingdom of God is not a denomination. Denominations are man-made organizations of groups of churches. They have been established for practical purposes of organization and administration. Denominations are major church organizations like Baptist, Assembly of God, Methodist, Lutheran, etc.
The Bible speaks of the true Church which is not a denomination or religious organization. The true Church is composed of all those who have become residents of the Kingdom of God. The true Church is the corporate spiritual body which God established by which the Gospel of the Kingdom is to be extended to the nations of the world. This Church is composed of all men and women who are residents of the Kingdom of God.
The Church is not only to preach and teach the Gospel of the Kingdom, but it should provide a scale model of life in the Kingdom of God. The Church should operate by Kingdom patterns and principles and demonstrate in its lifestyle the teachings of its King, Jesus Christ.
The Kingdom of God existed in the past, it exists in the present, and it will exist in the future, all in different forms. At the present time in the natural world, the Kingdom of God exists individually within every man, woman, boy or girl who has made Jesus King of their lives. In the future, there will be an actual visible revelation of God’s Kingdom. You will learn more about the past, present, and future of the Kingdom of God later in this course.
Because the Kingdom of God is a spiritual kingdom and not a natural kingdom of this world, it must be understood with a spiritual mind:
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (I Corinthians 2:14)
The Kingdom of Satan is ruled by Satan. You will learn more about him and his kingdom in the “For Further Study” section of this chapter. Satan was originally a beautiful angel created by God and was part of the Kingdom of God, but he tried to take over God’s Kingdom. You can read about his rebellion in Isaiah 14:12-17 and Ezekiel 28:12-19. Several angels joined Satan in this rebellion and they were all cast out of the Kingdom by God. They formed their own kingdom which is called the Kingdom of Satan.
The Kingdom of God is ruled by the Trinity of God which is composed of the Father, the Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. You will learn more about the ruler of this Kingdom in Chapter Two of this course.
In addition to the rulers, there are other residents of the two spiritual kingdoms. Evil spirits called demons are residents of the Kingdom of Satan. These spirits can enter, torment, control, and use humans who belong to Satan’s kingdom. They motivate many evil acts done by men and women.
Before the end of the world, Satan will use two special spiritual beings in his kingdom called the Antichrist and the False Prophet. They will be part of the final deceptive plan of Satan to overthrow the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God also has residents. There are angels which are spiritual beings who minister to men and women who are part of the Kingdom of God.
Just as demons do the bidding of Satan in the world, angels do the will of God.
Although angels and demons are spiritual beings, they reveal themselves visibly and verbally in the natural world on occasion. Demons possessing the bodies of men speak and act in evil ways through them and angels sometimes appear in visible form.
In addition to these spiritual beings, all people alive are either residents of the Kingdom of Satan or the Kingdom of God.
One of the parables told by Jesus reveals that all men are either part of the Kingdom of Satan or the Kingdom of God. Jesus compared the world to a field. The good seed in the field were the children of the Kingdom of God. The bad seed, which resulted in the growth of tares (weeds) were the children of the wicked one:
The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the Kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one. (Matthew 13:38)
People enter the Kingdom of Satan through natural birth. The Bible teaches that all men are born in sin. This means that they have a basic sin nature or the “seed” of sin within. Their natural inclination is to do evil:
Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. (Psalms 51:5)
Wherefore, as by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. (Romans 5:12)
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)
Because we are born with the basic sin nature, we have all at one time been part of the Kingdom of Satan. The whole message of God’s written Word, the Holy Bible, is the appeal to man to move from this evil Kingdom of Satan to the righteous Kingdom of God.
Men are born into the Kingdom of Satan through natural birth. They must be reborn into the Kingdom of God through spiritual birth. You will learn more about this in Chapter Four, “Keys To The Kingdom.”
Those who are born again change their residency from the Kingdom of Satan to the Kingdom of God. They change their allegiance from Satan to God. When they enter the Kingdom of God they must learn the principles which govern life in this Kingdom. It is like learning the lifestyle of a new country to which you have immigrated. You will learn more about these important principles in other lessons of this course.
From the time of the rebellion of Satan, there has been spiritual warfare raging between the Kingdom of Satan and the Kingdom of God. The Bible is the written record of the warfare between these two kingdoms.
This spiritual warfare being waged throughout the world is over the minds, souls and spirits of mankind. Satan is trying to keep men captive to sin in his kingdom. Through deceptive methods he entices men and women to partake of the temporary lusts of sinful living. He aims for the affections of the soul and spirit which rightfully belong to God:
The thief (Satan) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I (Jesus) am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)
This warfare in the spirit world will continue until the end of time as we now know it. Spiritual warfare is a subject of such great depth that an entire Harvestime International Institute course, “Spiritual Strategies: A Manual Of Spiritual Warfare,” has been devoted to it. The course focuses on the Kingdom of Satan, his strategies, and spiritual tactics for defeating the forces of evil.
This course is devoted to study of the Kingdom of God. But as you learned in this chapter, there is another invisible kingdom, the spiritual Kingdom of Satan. It is important that you understand both spiritual kingdoms.
The Harvestime International Institute course entitled “Spiritual Strategies: A Manual Of Spiritual Warfare” provides further information on this kingdom and spiritual strategies to deal with Satan. Obtain this manual as a companion to this course, “Kingdom Living.” For purposes of this course, the following outline provides basic information on Satan and his kingdom.
THE KINGDOM OF SATAN
I. Ruler of the Kingdom of Satan: Satan
A. His origin: All creatures were created by God: John 1:3; Colossians 1:16-17
B. His former glory: Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:12-17
C. His former position: Ezekiel 28:14
D. His fall: Ezekiel 28:12-19
E. His names:
1. God of this world: II Corinthians 4:4
2. Angel of light: II Corinthians 11:14
3. Devil: I Peter 5:8; Matthew 4:1
4. Satan: John 13:27
5. Lucifer: Isaiah 14:12
6. Dragon: Revelation 12:3
7. Serpent: Revelation 12:9; 20:2; II Corinthians 11:3; Genesis 3:4,14
8. Adversary: I Peter 5:8
9. Belial: II Corinthians 6:15
10. Beelzebub: Matthew 12:24; Luke 11:15; Mark 3:22
11. Murderer: John 8:44
12. Tempter: Matthew 4:3; I Thessalonians 3:5
13. Anointed Cherub: Ezekiel 28:14
14. Destroyer: Revelation 9:11
15. Deceiver: Revelation 12:9; 20:3
16. Apollyon (Greek word for destroyer): Revelation 9:11
17. Abaddon (Hebrew word for a destroying angel): Revelation 9:11
18. Ruler of darkness: Ephesians 6:12
19. Angel of bottomless pit: Revelation 9:11
20. Enemy: Matthew 13:39
21. Prince of the devils: Matthew 12:24
22. Liar, father of lies: John 8:44
23. King of Tyrus: Ezekiel 28:12-15
24. Prince of this world: John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11
25. Prince of the power of the air: Ephesians 2:2
26. Spirit that worketh in the children of disobedience: Ephesians 2:2
27. Evil one: I John 5:9
28. Roaring Lion: I Peter 5:8
29. Accuser of the brethren: Revelation 12:10
F. His attributes:
1. Intelligent and subtle: II Corinthians 11:3
2. Emotional: Revelation 12:17
3. Self-willed: II Timothy 2:26
4. Proud: I Timothy 3:6
5. Powerful: Ephesians 2:2
6. Deceitful: Ephesians 6:11
7. Fierce and cruel: I Peter 5:8
8. Deceptive: II Corinthians 11:14
G. Recorded words of Satan:
1. Genesis 3:1,4,5
2. Job 1:7-12
3. Job 2:1-6
4. Matthew 4:1-11
5. Luke 4:1-13
II. Residents of Satan’s Kingdom: Demonic spirits
A. Satan is the ruler of a host of demons: Matthew 12:22-28
B. Their Origin: Revelation 12:7-9; Jude 6
C. Their attributes:
1. Spirit beings: Matthew 8:16; Luke 10:17,20
2. Speak: Mark 5:9,12; Luke 8:28; Matthew 8:31
3. Believe: James 2:19
4. Exercise their wills: Luke 8:32; 11:24
5. Demonstrate intelligence: Mark 1:24
6. Emotional: Luke 8:28: James 2:19
7. Recognize: Acts 19:15
8. Supernatural strength: Acts 19:16; Mark 5:2,3
9. Supernatural presence: Daniel 9:21-23; 10:10-14
D. Their structure:
1. United: Matthew 12:26,45; Luke 8:30; I Timothy 4:1
2. Organized in forces: Luke 8:30
3. There are degrees of wickedness: Matthew 12:43-45
4. There is organized structure: Ephesians 1:21; 3:10; 6:12; Romans 8:38
5. There are different kinds of demons: Matthew 10:1; I Timothy 4:1
III. Residents of Satan’s Kingdom:
All people who are not residents of the Kingdom of God: Revelation 20:15; 21:8
IV. The realm of activity of Satan and demons:
A. Access to God’s presence: Job 1:6-7
B. Access to the whole earth: Revelation 12:10
V. Activities of Satan and demons:
The activities of Satan and demons are dealt with in detail in the Harvestime International Institute course entitled “Spiritual Strategies: A Manual Of Spiritual Warfare.” To summarize: Their activities are always directed against God, His purposes, and His people.
VI. Believers have greater power than Satan and his demons:
A. Matthew 10:1; Mark 6:7;9:38; 16:17; Luke 10:17; Acts 5:16; 8:7; 16:16-18; 19:12
B. Methods of spiritual warfare are dealt with in the Harvestime International Institute course: “Spiritual Strategies: A Manual Of Spiritual Warfare.” These are powerful spiritual guidelines that will help you exercise your rightful authority over the Kingdom of Satan.
VII. The future destiny of Satan’s Kingdom: Matthew 8:29;25:41; II Peter 2:4; Jude 6; Revelation 12:7-9; 20:10; I John 3:8; Luke 8:28; Matthew 25:41
King of Kings
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
- Write the Key Verse from memory.
- Define the word “king.”
- Identify Jesus as King of the Kingdom of God.
- Continue further study of the life and ministry of King Jesus.
And He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of His Kingdom there shall be no end. (Luke 1:33)
There is no kingdom without a king. In this chapter, you will learn about the greatest King that has ever ruled, the King of Kings, Jesus Christ.
A king is a sovereign ruler of a nation, tribe, or country. The word “sovereign” means he has the supreme power, and highest authority, and is free from outside control.
In times past in the natural world there were many kings and kingdoms. In an earthly kingdom, the king owned all the territory in the kingdom and had authority over everything in the kingdom including the people.
The king made the laws of the kingdom and residents of the kingdom obeyed these laws. The king had power over the people, including the power of life or death.
The greatest of all kings is the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul refers to Jesus as the King of Kings:
Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords. (I Timothy 6:15)
The book of Revelation calls Him King of kings:
…for He is Lord of lords, and King of kings… (Revelation 17:14)
And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, King of kings, and Lord of lords. (Revelation 19:16)
Jesus is the King of kings because He rules over a Kingdom that is eternal and sovereign. The Kingdom of God will never come to an end. It will never be overthrown by revolution. There will never be another ruler who will succeed the King of kings.
The Bible tells the story of the King of Kings. Part of that story is the account of His life and ministry on earth. But Jesus existed before His earthly ministry. You can read about His preexistence with God in John 1:1-18. (In this passage Jesus is called “The Word.”)
The Old Testament contains many prophecies about the King of kings. A prophecy is an immediate word from God that reveals things about the future that cannot be known by natural wisdom.
These Old Testament prophecies reveal how, when, and where the King was to be born and many details about His life, ministry, death, and resurrection. The New Testament shows how Jesus fulfilled these prophecies.
(A detailed list of these prophecies is provided in another Harvestime International Institute
the course entitled “Creative Bible Study Methods”).
You can read the genealogy of the King of kings, Jesus, in Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38.
The genealogy traces the ancestors of Jesus through His earthly father and mother. But remember, Jesus was really the Son of God born to the virgin Mary.
Please read about the earthly birth of King Jesus in Matthew 1 and 2 and Luke 1 and 2.
Jesus was called by many different names, some of which reflect His ministry and purpose. The following are all names of Jesus, the King of Kings:
Adam, the Second: I Corinthians 15:45-4
Advocate: I John 2:1
Almighty: Revelation 1:8
Alpha and Omega: Revelation 21:6
Amen: Revelation 3:14
Ancient of Days: Daniel 7:9
Angel of His Presence: Isaiah 63:9
Anointed Above His Fellows: Psalms 45:7
Apostle of our Profession: Hebrews 3:1
Arm of the Lord: Isaiah 51:9-10
Author and Finisher of our Faith: Hebrews 12:2
Author of Eternal Salvation: Hebrews 5:9
Begotten of God: I John 5:18
Beloved: Ephesians 1:6
Bishop of Souls: I Peter 2:25
Blessed and Only Potentate: I Timothy 6:15
Branch, The: Zechariah 3:8
Branch, A Righteous: Jeremiah 23:5
Branch of Righteousness: Jeremiah 33:15
Branch of the Root of Jesse: Isaiah 1:1
Bread of Life: John 6:35
Bright and Morning Star: Revelation 22:16
Captain of the Lord’s Host: Joshua 5:15
Carpenter’s Son: Matthew 13:55
Chief Cornerstone: I Peter 2:6
Chiefest Among Ten Thousand: Song of Solomon 5:10
Christ, The: John 1:41
Christ the Lord: Luke 2:11
Christ Jesus Our Lord: Romans 8:39
Christ the Power of God: I Corinthians 1:24
Counselor: Isaiah 9:6
Covenant of the People: Isaiah 42:6
Dayspring: Luke 1:78
Daystar: II Peter 1:19
Deliverer: Romans 11:26
Door, The: John 10:9
Elect: Isaiah 42:1
Emmanuel: Matthew 1:23 (RSV)
Eternal Life: I John 5:20
Everlasting Father: Isaiah 9:6
Faithful and True: Revelation 19:11
Faithful Witness: Revelation 1:5
First Begotten: Hebrews 1:6
First Born: Psalms 89:27
First Born Among Many Brethren: Romans 8:29
First Fruits: I Corinthians 15:23
First and Last: Revelation 22:13
Foundation Laid in Zion: Isaiah 28:16
Glorious Lord: Isaiah 33:21
God of Israel: Isaiah 45:15
God with Us: Matthew 1:23
Good Shepherd: John 10:11
Great God: Titus 2:13
Great High Priest: Hebrews 4:14
Head of the Body: Colossians 1:18
Head over all Things: Ephesians 1:22
Headstone of the Corner: Psalms 118:22
Heir of all Things: Hebrews 1:2
His Anointed: Psalms 2:2
Holy One of Israel: Isaiah 41:14
Hope of Glory: Colossians 1:27
I Am: John 8:58
Image of the Invisible God: Colossians 1:15
Immanuel: Isaiah 7:14
Jesus Christ Our Lord: Romans 1:3
Judge of Israel: Micah 5:1
King of Glory: Psalms 24:7
King: Zechariah 9:9
King over all the Earth: Zechariah 14:9
Lamb of God: John 1:29
Light of the World: John 8:12
Lily of the Valleys: Song of Solomon 2:1
Living Bread: John 6:51
Lord God Almighty: Revelation 4:8
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: II Peter 2:20
Lord of All: Acts 10:36
Lord Our Righteousness: Jeremiah 23:6
Lord, Your Redeemer: Isaiah 43:14
Love: I John 4:8
Man of Sorrows: Isaiah 53:3
Master: Matthew 23:10
Messiah: Daniel 9:25
Mighty God: Isaiah 9:6
Mighty One of Jacob: Isaiah 60:16
Mine Angel: Exodus 23:20-23
Most Holy: Daniel 9:24
Most Mighty: Psalms 45:3
Nazarene: Matthew 2:23
Only Wise God: I Timothy 1:17
Our Passover: I Corinthians 5:7
Physician: Luke 4:23
Prince of Peace: Isaiah 9:6
Prince of the Kings of the Earth: Revelation 1:5
Prophet: Deuteronomy 18:15-18
Propitiation: Romans 3:25
Rabbi: John 1:49
Redeemer: Isaiah 59:20
Resurrection: John 11:25
Righteous Servant: Isaiah 53:11
Rock: I Corinthians 10:4
Root of Jesse: Isaiah 11:10
Rose of Sharon: Song of Solomon 2:1
Savior of the World: I John 4:14
Seed of David: John 7:42
Seed of the Woman: Genesis 3:15
Son of God: Romans 1:4
Son of Man: Acts 7:56
Son of Mary: Mark 6:3
Son of the Highest: Luke 1:32
Star out of Jacob: Numbers 24:17
Stone: Matthew 21:42
Sun of Righteousness: Malachi 4:2
Sure Foundation: Isaiah 28:16
Teacher: John 3:2
Truth: John 14:6
Unspeakable Gift: II Corinthians 9:15
Vine: John 15:1
Way: John 14:6
Wonderful: Isaiah 9:6
Word: John 1:14
Word of God: Revelation 19:13
Although there is much recorded in the four Gospels about the life and ministry of Jesus, John
informs us:
And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. (John 21:25)
He was questioned as to whether or not He was the expected King (Matthew 27:11; Mark 15:2).
He was accused of being of Satan rather than of God (Matthew 12:25-28; Luke 11:17-20).
On one occasion the people tried to take Jesus and make Him a king by force because He was not establishing the visible kingdom they desired (John 6:15).
Only once was there public acclaim of Jesus as King. This was when He came into Jerusalem for the final time (Matthew 21:1-9).
But the same people who honored him as king that day soon turned against Him. Many of those who cried “Hosanna” as Jesus rode into Jerusalem were shouting “Crucify Him” just a few days later. They were disappointed that Jesus did not overthrow the Roman government and set up a great earthly kingdom. Those who longed for release from foreign domination were angry when Jesus did not establish a visible, earthly kingdom. Jesus was not the King which the Jews had pictured. He did not crush the Roman Empire. He did not set up the expected earthly Kingdom. He did not act as they thought a king should act. What they failed to realize was that before Jesus could assert His outward Lordship, He first had to rule the inner fortress of man’s heart. The greatest need of the Jewish people was not freedom from Rome, but release from the chains of sin. The key to the Kingdom of Jesus was repentance, not revolution. (You will learn more about this in a later chapter.)
Satan tempted Jesus to set up a visible earthly Kingdom (Matthew 4:8; Luke 4:5).
Right up to the end of the earthly ministry of Jesus, the disciples longed for an earthly Kingdom (Acts 1:6).
But the Kingdom of God was not to be set up at this time in visible form. Jesus said:
…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. (John 18:36)
So the King of Kings was rejected by His own people:
He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. (John 1:11)
Only a few people recognized Jesus as King. Nathanael, one of His disciples, was one of these:
Nathanael answered and saith unto Him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. (John 1:49)
But to those few who accepted Jesus as King, a special relationship was extended:
But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name. (John 1:12)
All of life is based on relationship. It is not what you know that is most important, it is who you know. It is not what we know about the Bible or Christianity that assures our entrance into the Kingdom of God. It is who we know. You must know the King of kings. In Chapter Four, “Keys to the Kingdom,” you will learn how to enter and maintain residency in the Kingdom of God.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus
Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23)
You can read about the death of King Jesus in Matthew 26-27, Mark 14-15, Luke 22-23, and
John 18-19.
Through His resurrection from the dead, Jesus gained victory over physical death. Those who become part of the Kingdom of God may experience physical death just like Jesus, but they will also experience the resurrection from the dead as He did. Because our King is eternal, we are part of an eternal Kingdom and have eternal life.
…of His Kingdom, there shall be no end. (Luke 1:33)
Every kingdom of earth and the kingdom of Satan will be defeated by the King of kings. In the end, an announcement will be made that…
…The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ, and He shall reign for ever and ever. (Revelation 11:15)
Study the life of the King and His Kingdom teachings using the following outline. The outline combines the four New Testament records of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John:
The King And His Kingdom
I. Pre-existence of the King: John 1:1-18
II. Introduction of the King
A. Arrival of the King
l. Ancestry of the King: Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38
2. Arrival of the King:
a. Announcement of the birth of John: Luke 1:5-25
b. Announcement to Mary of the birth of Jesus: Luke 1:26-38
c. Arrival of Mary in Judea: Luke 1:39-45
d. Praise of Mary: Luke 1:46-56
e. The birth of John: Luke 1:57-80
f. Announcement of the birth of Jesus to Joseph: Matthew 1:18-25
g. The birth of King Jesus: Luke 2:1-7
h. Announcement of the birth of Jesus to the shepherds: Luke 2:8-20
3. The infancy and childhood of the King
a. Circumcision of the King: Luke 2:21
b. Presentation of the King: Luke 2:22-38
c. Infancy of the King:
(l) In Bethlehem: Matthew 2:1-12
(2) In Egypt: Matthew 2:13-18
(3) In Nazareth: Matthew 2:19-23; Luke 2:39
d. The childhood of the King
(l) Growth of the King: Luke 2:40
(2) The King visits Jerusalem: Luke 2:41-50
(3) Development of the King: Luke 2:51-52
B. The forerunner of the King: John the Baptist
l. The message to John: Mark 1:1; Luke 3:1-2
2. The message of John: Matthew 3:1-6; Mark 1:2-6; Luke 3:3-6
3. The explanation by John: Matthew 3:7-10; Luke 3:7-14
4. The promise by John: Matthew 3:11-12; Mark :7-8; Luke 3:15-18
III. The approval of the King
A. The approval of the King
1. At His baptism: Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-23
2. By His temptation: Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13
3. By His forerunner, John:
a. Testimony of John to the leaders: John 1:19-28
b. Testimony of John to Jesus: John 1:29-34
B. Acceptance of the King
l. Belief by the first disciples: John 1:35-51
2. Belief through the first miracle: John 2:1-12
3. Possession of the temple: John 2:13-22
4. Acceptance in Judea: John 2:23-3:21
5. The witness of John: John 3:22-36
6. In Zebulun/Naphtali: Matthew 4:12; Mark 1:14; Luke 3:19-20; 4:14; John 4:1-4
7. Acceptance in Samaria: John 4:5-42
8. Acceptance in Galilee: John 4:43-45
C. The authority of the King
1. His authority to preach: Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:15; Luke 4:14-15
2. His authority over disease: John 4:46-54
3. Rejection of His authority in Nazareth: Luke 4:16-30
4. Residence in Capernaum: Matthew 4:13-16
5. His authority over nature: Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20; Luke 5:1-11
6. His authority over demons: Mark 1:21-28; Luke 4:31-37
7. Authority over sickness: Matthew 8:14-17; Mark 1:29-34; Luke 4:38-41
8. Authority to preach: Matthew 4:23-25; Mark 1:35-39; Luke 4:42-44
9. Authority over defilement: Matthew 8:1-4; Mark 1:40-45; Luke 5:12-16
10. His authority to forgive sin: Matthew 9:1-8; Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26
11. His authority over men: Matthew 9:9-13; Mark 2:13-17; Luke 5:27-32
12. Authority over tradition: Matthew 9:14-17; Mark 2:18-22; Luke 5:33-39
13. His authority over the Sabbath:
a. Through the healing of the paralytic: John 5:1-47
b. Through argument over grain: Matthew 12:1-8; Mark 2:23-28; Luke 6:1-5
c. Through healing the withered hand: Matthew 12:9-14; Mark 3:1-6; Luke 6:6-11
14. His authority to heal: Matthew 12:15-21; Mark 3:7-12
15. His authority to commission: Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16
16. His authority to interpret the law: Matthew 5:1-7:29; Luke 6:17-42
a. He is the fulfillment: Matthew 5:17-20
b. Rejection of traditional interpretation of the law:
(l) Murder: Matthew 5:21-26
(2) Adultery: Matthew 5:27-30
(3) Divorce: Matthew 5:31-32
(4) Oaths: Matthew 5:33-37
(5) Retaliation: Matthew 5:38-42
(6) Love: Matthew 5:43-48; Luke 6:27-30; 32-36
c. Rejection of the practices of the Pharisees:
(l) Giving: Matthew 6:1-4
(2) Prayer: Matthew 6:5-15
(3) Fasting: Matthew 6:16-18
(4) Attitude toward wealth: Matthew 6:19-24
(5) Lack of faith: Matthew 6:25-34
(6) Judging: Matthew 7:1-6; Luke 6:37-42
d. Instruction to those who would enter the Kingdom:
(l) Prayer: Matthew 7:7-11
(2) Righteousness: Matthew 7:12; Luke 6:31, 43-45
(3) The way of access: Matthew 7:13-14
(4) Warning to false teachers: Matthew 7:15-23
(5) The two foundations: Matthew 7:24-8:1; Luke 6:46-49
17. Recognition of the King’s authority in Capernaum: Matthew 8:5-13, Luke 7:1-10
18. Recognition of the King’s authority in Nain: Luke 7:11-17
19. Witness of the twelve to the Kingdom: Matthew 9:35-11:1; Mark 6:6-13; Luke 9:1-6
IV. Controversy over the King
A. Rejection of John: Matthew 11:2-19; Luke 7:18-35
1. Death of John: Matthew 14:1-12; Mark 6:14-29; Luke 9:7-9
B. The curse of the cities of Galilee: Matthew 11:20-30
1. Condemnation for their unbelief: Matthew 11:20-24
2. Explanation of their unbelief: Matthew 11:25-27
3. An invitation to believe: Matthew 11:28-30
C. Controversy over a sinner: Luke 7:36-50
D. Witness to the King: Luke 8:1-3
E. Rejection of the King by the leaders: Matthew 12:22-37; Mark 3:19-30
F. Request by the leaders for a sign from the King: Matthew 12:38-45
G. Rejection of the nation: Matthew 12:46-50; Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21
H. Revelations of the rejected King:
l. The Kingdom in the present: Matthew 13:1-53; Mark 4:1-34; Luke 8:4-18
2. Power over nature: Matthew 8:18, 23-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25
3. Power over demons: Matthew 8:28-34; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39
4. Power over disease/death: Matthew 9:18-26; Mark 5:21-43; Luke 8:40-56
5. Power over blindness: Matthew 9:27-34
I. Rejection in Nazareth: Matthew 13:54-58; Mark 6:1-6
V. Instruction of the disciples by the King
A. Feeding of the 5,000: Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-13
B. Rejection of offer to be King: Matthew 14:22-23; Mark 6:45-46; John 6:14-15
C. Instruction by example in Gennesaret: Matthew 14:34-36; Mark 6:53-56
D. Instruction concerning the Bread of Life: John 6:22-71
E. Instruction concerning defilement: Matthew 15:1-20; Mark 7:1-23; John 7:1
F. Instruction in:
1. Tyre and Sidon: Matthew 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-30
2. Decapolis: Matthew 15:29-38; Mark 7:31-8:9
3. Magadan: Matthew 15:39-16:4; Mark 8:10-12
4. A warning against rejection: Matthew 16:5-12; Mark 8:13-26
G. The confession of Peter: Matthew 16:13-20; Mark 8:27-30; Luke 9:18-21
H. Instruction concerning the death of the King: Matthew 16:21; 17:22-23;
Mark 8:31-33; 9:30-32; Luke 9:22; 43-45
I. Concerning discipleship: Matthew 16:22-28; Mark 8:34-9:1; Luke 9:23-27
J. Revelation of the Kingdom: Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36
K. Instruction concerning Elijah: Matthew 17:9-13; Mark 9:9-13
L. Concerning dependence: Matthew 17:14-21; Mark 9:14-29; Luke 9:37-43
M. Instruction concerning sonship: Matthew 17:24-27
N. Humility: Matthew 18:1-5; Mark 9:33-37; Luke 9:46-48
O. Pride: Matthew 18:6-14; Mark 9:38-50; Luke 9:49-50
P. Forgiveness: Matthew 18:15-35
Q. Discipleship: Matthew 8:19-22; Luke 9:57-62
R. A challenge by the brothers of the King: John 7:2-9
S. The journey to Jerusalem: Luke 9:51-56; John 7:10
VI. Opposition to the King
A. Conflict at the Feast of Tabernacles
1. The authority of the King is questioned: John 7:11-15
2. The explanation by the King: John 7:16-24
3. The person of the King is questioned: John 7:25-27
4. The explanation by the King: John 7:28-30
5. Response: John 7:31-36
6. An invitation from the King: John 7:37-52
B. Conflict over the law: John 7:53-8:11
C. Conflict over the light: John 8:12-20
D. Conflict over the person of the King: John 8:21-59
E. Conflict over the healing of a blind man: John 9:1-41
F. Conflict over the shepherd: John 10:1-21
G. Witness of the seven: Luke 10:1-24
H. Conflict over the question of eternal life: Luke 10:25-37
I. Conflict at the feast of dedication: John 10:22-39
J. Conflict over the healing of the dumb man: Luke 11:14-36
K. Conflict over ritualism: Luke 11:37-54
VII. Instruction of the disciples by the King
A. An example of fellowship: Luke 10:38-42
B. Instruction in prayer: Luke 11:1-13
C. Kingdom principles concerning:
1. Hypocrisy: Luke 12:1-12
2. Covetousness: Luke 12:13-34
3. Watchfulness: Luke 12:35-41
4. Faithfulness: Luke 12:42-48
5. The effect of the King’s coming: Luke 12:49-53
6. Signs of the times: Luke 12:54-59
7. Repentance: Luke 13:1-9
8. Israel’s need: Luke 13:10-17
9. The Kingdom program: Luke 13:18-21
D. Withdrawal from Judea: John 10:40-42
E. Instruction concerning entrance into the Kingdom: Luke 13:22-35
F. Instruction in a Pharisee’s house: Luke 14:1-24
G. Instruction on Kingdom principles concerning:
1. Discipleship: Luke 14:25-35
2. God’s attitude toward sinners: Luke 15:1-32
3. Wealth: Luke 16:1-31
4. Forgiveness: Luke 17:1-6
5. Service: Luke 17:7-10
H. The Raising of Lazarus:
1. The miracle: John 11:1-44
2. Conflict over the miracle: John 11:45-54
I. Instruction on Kingdom principles concerning:
1. Thankfulness: Luke 17:11-19
2. The coming of the King: Luke 17:20-37
3. Prayer: Luke 18:1-14
4. Divorce: Matthew 19:1-12; Mark 10:1-12
5. Entrance into the Kingdom: Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:17-31; Luke 18:31-34
6. Israel: Matthew 20:29-34; Mark 10:46-53; Luke 18:35-43
7. Personal faith: Luke 19:1-10
8. The postponed Kingdom: Luke 19:11-28
VIII. Presentation of the King
A. The King arrives in Bethany: John 11:55-12:1, 9-11
B. Entry into Jerusalem: Matthew 21:1-11, 14-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-44; John 12:12-19
C. Authority of the King: Matthew 21:12-13, 18-19; Mark 11:12-18; Luke 19:45-48
D. Invitations by the King: John 12:20-50
E. Proof of authority: Matthew 21:20-22; Mark 11:19-25; Luke 21:37-38
F. The King’s authority challenged:
1. By the priests and elders: The rejection of the King: Matthew 21:23- 22:14; Mark 11:27-12:12; Luke 20:1-19
2. By the Pharisees and Herodians: Kingdom principles regarding tribute: Matthew 22:15-22; Mark 12:13-17; Luke 20:20-26
3. By the Sadducees: Kingdom principles regarding the resurrection: Matthew 22:23-33; Mark 12:18-27; Luke 20:27-40
4. By the Pharisees: The greatest commandment in the Kingdom: Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-34
G. A challenge by the King: Matthew 22:41-46; Mark 12:35-37; Luke 20:41-44
H. Principles of judgment: Matthew 23:1-39; Mark 12:38-40; Luke 20:45-47
I. Kingdom principles of giving: Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4
IX. Preparation for the death of the King
A. Predictions by the King
1. The question: Matthew 24:1-3
2. The tribulation: Matthew 24:27-30
3. The second coming: Matthew 4:27-30
4. The regathering of Israel: Matthew 24:31
5. End-time parables:
a. The fig tree: Matthew 24:32-44
b. The faithful servant: Matthew 24:45-51
c. Ten virgins: Matthew 25:1-13
d. The talents: Matthew 25:14-30
6. Judgment on the Gentiles: Matthew 25:31-46
B. Preparation for the death of the King:
1. The prediction of His death: Matthew 26:1-2; Mark 14:1; Luke 22:1
2. The plan of the rulers: Matthew 26:3-5; Mark 14:1-2; Luke 22:2
3. Pouring of the ointment: Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:2-8
4. The promise to betray: Matthew 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11; Luke 22:3-6
5. Preparation for the Passover: Matthew 26:17-19; Mark 14:12-16; Luke 22:7-13
6. The Passover: Matthew 26:20; Mark 14:17; Luke 22:14-16; 24-30
7. Provision of an example: John 13:1-20
8. Prediction of Judas’ betrayal: Matthew 26:21-25; Mark 14:18-21; Luke 22:21-23; John 13:21-30
9. Prediction of Peter’s denial: Matthew 26:31-35; Mark 14:27-31; Luke 22:31-38; John 13:37-38
10. A memorial: Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:17-20
C. Final message of the King:
1. Introduction: John 13:31-35
2. Problems: John 13:36-14:24
3. Promises: John 14:25-31
4. Instruction concerning:
a. Fruit bearing: John 15:1-17
b. Enemies of the disciples: John 15:18-16:4
c. The ministry of the Holy Spirit: John 16:5-15
d. Results of the resurrection: John 16:16-28
e. Conclusion: John 16:29-33
D. Final prayers of the King
1. His prayer for Himself: John 17:1-5
2. His prayer for His disciples: John 17:6-19
3. His prayer for all believers: John 17:20-26
E. The Garden Prayer: Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46; John 18:1
X. Death of the King
A. Arrest: Matthew 26:47-56; Mark 14:43-52; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:2-12
B. The religious trial of the King
1. Examination before Annas: John 18:12-14,19-23
2. Examination before Caiaphas: Matthew 26:57, 59-68; Mark 14:53, 55-56; Luke 22:54, 63-65; John 18:24
3. Denial by Peter: Matthew 26:58, 69-75; Mark 14:54; 66-72; Luke 22:54-62; John 18:15-18, 25-27
4. Verdict of the Sanhedrin: Matthew 27:1; Mark 15:1; Luke 22:66-71.
5. Death of Judas: Matthew 27:3-10
C. The civil trial of the King
1. The trial before Pilate: Matthew 27:2, 11-14; Mark 15:2-5; Luke 3:1-5; John 18:28-38
2. Trial before Herod: Luke 23:6-12.
3. Trial before Pilate: Matthew 27:15-26; Mark 15:6-15; Luke 23:13-25; John 18:39-19:1, 4-16
4. Mockery of the King: Matthew 27:27-30; Mark 15:16-19; John 19:2-3
D. The journey to Calvary: Matthew 27:31-34; Mark 15:20-23; Luke 23:26-33; John 19:16-17
E. The crucifixion of the King
1. The first three hours: Matthew 27:35-44; Mark 15:24-32; Luke 23:33-43; John 19:18-27
2. Second three hours: Matthew 27:45-50; Mark 15:33-37; Luke 23:44-46; John 19:28-30
3. Signs at the death of the King: Matthew 27:51-56; Mark 15:38-41; Luke 23:45,47-49
F. Burial of the King: Matthew 27:57-60; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:31-42
G. The sealing of the King’s tomb: Matthew 27:62-66
XI. Resurrection of the King
A. Preparation by the women: Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:1
B. Opening of the tomb: Matthew 28:2-4
C. The visit of the women: Matthew 28:5-8; Mark 16:2-8; Luke 24:1-8; John 20:1
D. The report to the disciples: Luke 24:9-12; John 20:2-10
E. Appearance of the King to Mary: Mark 16:9-11; John 20:11-18
F. Appearance of the King to the women: Matthew 28:9-10
G. The report of the guards: Matthew 28:11-15
H. Appearance to disciples on the Emmaus Road: Mark 16:12-13; Luke 24:13-32
I. Report of the two disciples: Luke 24:33-35
J. Appearance to the ten disciples: Mark 16:14; Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-25
K. Appearance of the King to the eleven disciples: John 20:26-31
L. Appearance of the King to the seven disciples: John 21:1-25
XII. Commissioned by the King: Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:15-18; Luke 24:44-49
XIII. The King returns to Heaven: The ascension
The Kingdom: Past, Present, and Future
Upon completion of this chapter, you will be able to:
- Write the Key Verse from memory.
- Demonstrate understanding of the Kingdom of God in its past form.
- Demonstrate understanding of the Kingdom of God in its present form.
- Demonstrate understanding of the Kingdom of God in its future form.
- Present basic facts about the Kingdom of God.
The previous chapters introduced the Kingdom of God and the ruler of this Kingdom, the Lord Jesus Christ. This chapter presents an overview of the past, present, and future of the Kingdom of God. It also presents basic facts about the Kingdom.
There is a basic theme that unites both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. That theme is the Kingdom of God and the King. The phrases “Kingdom of God” and “Kingdom of Heaven” do not appear in the Old Testament. These are New Testament terms. But as you will discover as you study the past history of the Kingdom of God, its foundations were laid in Old Testament times. The present and future forms of the Kingdom are built on these Old Testament foundations.
The Kingdom of God is eternal. This means it has always existed and will always exist:
Thy Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations. (Psalms 145:13)
God’s Kingdom existed first in Heaven. When God created the earth, it was His desire that His Heavenly Kingdom be extended to the world He had created.
A CHOSEN MAN:
To fulfill this desire, God created a perfect environment as an extension of His Kingdom. In this Garden of Eden He created the first man and woman who were to multiply and populate the earth. By this method of reproduction they were to extend the Kingdom throughout the world.
The creation of the world marked the preparation of the Kingdom of God to be inherited by man:
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. (Matthew 25:34)
The first man and woman, Adam and Eve, were given dominion over the earthly extension of God’s Kingdom:
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that
creepeth upon the earth.
So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them. And God blessed them and God said unto them, Be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. (Genesis 1:26-28)
God did not want forced servitude from the subjects in His earthly Kingdom. He wanted man to be part of the Kingdom of God by free choice. So He made a law in the new Kingdom. The law was based on freedom of choice. The choice would determine whether or not man would continue to live in the Kingdom of God:
And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. (Genesis 2:16-17)
In Genesis chapter 3 you can read the story of the wrong choice made by Adam and Eve. When Adam and Eve sinned, they lost their inheritance in the Kingdom of God. They lost eternal life and the beautiful environment of the Kingdom.
Because of sin, certain curses came upon Satan, the earth, and man. You can read about these curses in Genesis chapter 3. The earth was no longer a perfect environment, a flawless extension of the Heavenly Kingdom. Man no longer had dominion over the earth, and he was separated from the presence of the King because of sin.
God had offered to extend His Kingdom through a man, but the Kingdom had been rejected.
Man lost the inheritance prepared for Him by God from the foundation of the world and Satan took control of the earth. But in this darkest hour came the promise of God to restore the Kingdom of God to man. God said to Satan:
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. (Genesis 3:15)
This was the first promise of a King who would someday come and crush the power of the enemy, Satan. From a woman’s body the King, Jesus Christ, would come. Through His death man could be cleansed from sin, reborn into the Kingdom of God, obtain eternal life, and reclaim his rightful inheritance.
A CHOSEN PEOPLE:
After man failed, God chose a nation through which He could extend His Kingdom throughout the world. God raised up Abraham as the man from whom this nation would descend. He made many promises concerning the nation of Israel and their role in the extension of God’s Kingdom throughout the world. You can read the story of Abraham and the promises given him and the nation of Israel in Genesis 12 through 25.
The nation of Israel was chosen for purpose, not privilege. They were not chosen because they were better than other nations or God loved them more. It was a choice of responsibility. That responsibility was to extend the Kingdom of God throughout the earth. God gave Kingdom lawsto the nation of Israel. Many of these laws are recorded in the book of Exodus.
Earthly kings were later appointed to help govern God’s Kingdom. But the nation of Israel failed in its responsibility to extend the Kingdom. Time and time again the nation sinned and turned to false gods. You can read examples of their failures in the book of Judges in the Old Testament.
God compared the nation of Israel to a vine in the natural world. Israel has been chosen to bear the “fruit” of the Kingdom of God. God finally said of Israel:
Israel is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself; according to the multitude of his fruit he hath increased the altars; according to the goodness of his land they have made goodly images. Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty; He shall break down their altars, He shall spoil their images.
For now they shall say, We have no king, because we feared not the Lord.. (Hosea 10:1-3)
Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me. (Jeremiah 2:21)
Because of their rejection of the Kingdom of God and failure to fulfill the responsibility of its extension, Israel became a divided nation. They were separated into the nations of Israel and Judah. Finally both of these nations were conquered and ruled by heathen nations.
Despite Israel’s failure, God promised that His Kingdom would someday be restored in visible form and Israel would again be part of it. Through the prophets, God gave many promises about the coming King and the Kingdom of God in its future form.
- Promises were given to David (II Samuel 7:16; Psalms 22:27-28; 72:7-11; 89:1-4; 96 and 98) and to Jeremiah (Jeremiah 3:17-18; 23:5-6; 31:31-34).
- Promises were given by the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 2:2-5; 33:20-22; 35; 62:1-2; 65:17-25).
- Promises were also given to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 26:25-30; 37:22-28), Joel (Joel 2:28), Zechariah (Zechariah 8:20-23; 12:10; 14:9-17), Amos (Amos 9:15), and Micah (Micah 4).
There were many other promises given concerning the Kingdom in addition to those listed. The nation of Israel waited for the coming of a Messiah who would fulfill these great promises. They waited for a King who would free them from the control of other nations. They waited for the Kingdom which they had lost to be restored in visible form.
There is a key verse which links together the Old and New Testament accounts of the Kingdom:
The law and the prophets were until John; since that time the Kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it. (Luke 16:16)
Old Testament prophecies predicted the coming Kingdom and its King. The New Testament fulfilled these predictions. The Old Testament law laid the foundation for New Testament principles which would govern life in the Kingdom. When Jesus came He did not do away with the law but fulfilled it and expanded Kingdom principles on this foundation.
When John the Baptist lifted up his voice in the wilderness of Judea and announced, “The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand,” he used terms common to his day. These terms were understood by the nation of Israel, for the hope of the promised Kingdom and its King burned in the heart of every Jew:
In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. (Matthew 3:1-3)
A CHOSEN MAN:
In the Old Testament, God selected a man to extend His Kingdom throughout the world. Adam failed in this responsibility. In the New Testament, God sent His own Son, Jesus, to extend the Kingdom to the world. Jesus fulfilled this responsibility, as He made it the central purpose of His life and ministry.
After the imprisonment and death of John the Baptist, Jesus began to share the message of the
Kingdom:
Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the Gospel. (Mark 1:14-15)
From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent:
for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. (Matthew 4:17)
During His earthly ministry, Jesus selected several key men to be His disciples. Jesus instructed them to go and preach saying “The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand” (Matthew 10:7).
What does the term “at hand” mean? Look at the same words of Jesus used in a different context:
Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me. (Matthew 26:46)
When Jesus said the one who was to betray Him was “at hand,” He meant the person (Judas) had arrived. The time for betrayal was “at hand.” When Jesus said the Kingdom of God was “at hand,” it meant the Kingdom had arrived. Jesus spent His entire life telling people the Kingdom had come, teaching the principles of Kingdom living, and explaining how men and women could enter the Kingdom of God.
Although the Kingdom of God was at hand, it did not come in visible form:
And when He was demanded of the Pharisees, when the Kingdom of God should come, He answered them and said, The Kingdom of God cometh not with observation;
Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the Kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17:20-21)
The parables of Jesus about the Kingdom pictured it as seed which was sown, a mustard seed hidden in the ground, a hidden treasure, and a hidden pearl of great price. In all these forms, the Kingdom was present yet not visible. Israel had expected the Kingdom of God to come in visible form, with great fanfare, ruled over by a visible and powerful King:
And as they heard these things, He (Jesus) added and spake a parable, because He was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the Kingdom of God should immediately appear. (Luke 19:11)
The parable Jesus told was of a nobleman who went into a far country and would return to receive his kingdom. As Jesus was approaching Jerusalem, He was preparing the people for His forthcoming death. Through this parable He revealed that the Kingdom in its visible form was to be postponed until another coming. On His return, it would be established.
Israel believed that the true King would immediately establish the Kingdom in all the glory of its previous visible form under King David. God had promised King David:
He shall build an house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. (II Samuel 7:13)
When Jesus rode into Jerusalem, the people thought He was coming to establish the visible Kingdom with Jerusalem as its capitol as had been prophesied since Old Testament times. Because of this, they rejoiced and honored Him as King as He entered the city. They cried:
Blessed be the Kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord, Hosanna in the highest. (Mark 11:10)
But the Kingdom was not to be visibly established. Jesus had already given a parable about leaven in a lump of dough to illustrate the spread of the Kingdom (Matthew 13:33).
It was to come through silent, steady growth just as leaven spreads through bread dough. Jesus had already given the parable of the nobleman who went to a far country and later returned to receive his kingdom. But Israel had not understood these Kingdom parables. Because Jesus did not immediately establish a visible Kingdom, a short time later the same people who had received Him as King rejected Him. They turned against Him and called for His death by crucifixion.
When Jesus came to earth, the Kingdom of God was “at hand.” Because it did not come as they expected, the Jewish people rejected both the Kingdom and its King:
He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name:
Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of
man, but of God. (John 1:11-13)
Because of this rejection, Jesus announced that the Kingdom of God had been taken from Israel and given to a people who would produce the fruit of righteousness:
Therefore say I unto you, The Kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof (Matthew 21:43)
By this, Jesus meant that the message of the Kingdom would be taken to the Gentile nations (all nations other than Israel). They were ready to receive and respond to it. Jesus said the nation of Israel and Jerusalem, their capitol city, would come under judgment:
And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. (Luke 21:24)
Because Israel rejected the Kingdom and the King, the visible establishment of the Kingdom in its final form was postponed until another coming of the King. That other coming is called the second coming of Jesus Christ.
A CHOSEN PEOPLE:
In the Old Testament, God chose the nation of Israel as the corporate body of people through which the Kingdom could be extended throughout the world. Israel failed in this responsibility. In the New Testament, God selected the Church, those who receive and respond to the Gospel, as the corporate body through which the Kingdom is to be extended. The Apostle Paul, chosen of God to bear the Gospel of the Kingdom to the Gentiles, wrote these words:
Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Ephesians 3:8-11)
Remember that the Kingdom was prepared for man by God from the foundation of the world. The Church has been chosen by God to reveal this mystery of the Kingdom to the nations of the world. Through this, the eternal purpose of God will be accomplished:
Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which he hath purposed in Himself; That in the dispensation of the fullness of times, He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in Heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him. (Ephesians 1:9-10)
The Church is the visible corporate body through which the Kingdom of God is to be extended throughout the world. See Below:
Universal Organization——-> The Kingdom
Local organization through which the Kingdom is extended—-> The Church
Individuals of which the Church is composed——-> Believers
Jesus left the Church with the responsibility:
Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. (Mark 16:15)
He equipped believers with the power to accomplish the task:
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8)
In the end, all things will be brought into subjection to the King, Jesus, who will return to establish the visible Kingdom.
Jesus taught that “the Kingdom of God is within you.” That is, where the King is and where His rule is acknowledged, the present Kingdom of God exists. The Kingdom of God is the sphere of God’s rule. The Kingdom in the world is presently the sphere in which, at any given time, His rule is acknowledged.
Remember that from the time of Satan’s rebellion in Heaven, war has existed between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Satan. The earth is the scene of this universal rebellion against God. Through the sin of man, a curse came upon the earth and Satan has taken advantag to try to establish his evil kingdom. It was evident that he controlled the earthly kingdoms when he tempted Jesus:
Again, the devil taketh Him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth Him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto Him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve. (Matthew 4:8-10)
But God has not relinquished His sovereignty as King in the face of rebellion of man. He has declared His purpose to establish it:
And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a Kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the Kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. (Daniel 2:44)
The Kingdom of God is also here and now. It is not something in the future which we cannot know until it is visibly established at the end of the world. The rule of the King is presently acknowledged in the hearts of individual believers. The rule of the King is acknowledged in the true Church of Jesus Christ. The Kingdom is present wherever people love God, have been born into the Kingdom, adopt Kingdom principles as their lifestyle, and acknowledge the reign of the Lord Jesus Christ as King.
The Kingdom is said to be a “mystery” now (Mark 4:11) because it is not within the range of the natural powers of observation:
The Kingdom of God cometh not with observation… (Luke 17:20)
The Kingdom is presently only spiritually discerned on earth. It has been spiritually, but not yet visibly, established. The present visible Kingdom of God is in Heaven.
This is not the heaven of which we speak when we talk of the sky above us. This is the Heaven in which Jesus lived before He came to earth (John 17:5).
It is the Heaven to which He ascended after His resurrection from the dead (Acts 1:9-11).
Heaven is the present residence of God, Jesus, and the angels in visible form. Heaven is where Jesus now waits until time for His return to earth to establish the Kingdom in its permanent, visible form. While He waits in Heaven, Jesus serves as an intercessor. He sits at the right hand of God and intercedes for believers still on earth (Hebrews 7:25).
Although Jesus told His disciples the Kingdom was at hand and was actually in their midst, He also spoke of the Kingdom in its future form. He told the disciples to pray “Thy Kingdom come” (Matthew 6:10).
The disciples had expected Jesus to establish this “coming” or future Kingdom before Calvary. When Jesus died, their hope was lost. After His resurrection their hope revived. In the period of time between the resurrection and His return to Heaven, Jesus spoke many things about the Kingdom of God. This prompted the disciples to ask,
“Wilt thou at this time restore again the Kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6).
Jesus answered:
…It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power. (Acts 1:7)
The coming of the Kingdom is certain, but the timing of its visible restoration rests with the Father. Jesus did share many things which must happen on earth before the Kingdom would be established in its final form. These signs were revealed to help us recognize when the time is near.
You can read of these signs in Matthew chapters 24 and 25, Mark chapter 13 and Luke 17:20-37; 21:8-36.
Jesus told the disciples that when these things began to happen, they were a sign that the visible restoration of the Kingdom of God was near:
So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the Kingdom of God is nigh at hand. (Luke 21:31)
THE GOSPEL TO ALL NATIONS MARKS THE BEGINNING OF THE END:
And this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. (Matthew 24:14)
JESUS WILL RETURN TO EARTH:
…This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into Heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into Heaven. (Acts 1:11)
JESUS WILL DEFEAT ALL KINGDOMS OF THE WORLD:
Then cometh the end, when He shall have delivered up the Kingdom to God, even the Father, when He shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
For He must reign, till he hath put all enemies under His feet. (I Corinthians 15:24-25)
And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in Heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever. (Revelation 11:15)
SATAN AND RESIDENTS OF HIS KINGDOM WILL BE CONQUERED:
And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (Revelation 20:10)
ALL NATIONS WILL COME INTO THE KINGDOM:
And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the Kingdom of Heaven. (Matthew 8:11)
ALL PEOPLE WILL ACKNOWLEDGE JESUS AS KING:
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name:
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in Heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11)
And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. (Revelation 19:6)
ALL MEN, LIVING AND DEAD, WILL BE JUDGED BY GOD:
I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick (living) and the dead at His appearing and His Kingdom. (II Timothy 4:1)
And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them; and they were judged every man according to their works…
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:12, 13, 15)
Jesus told a parable about the Kingdom being like a great net cast into the sea which gathered every kind of fish. When the net was drawn in, the good fish were separated from the bad (Matthew 13:47,48).
He also spoke of the Kingdom as tares and wheat growing for a time together.
But in the end, the good wheat were separated from the tares (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-42).
By the example of tares among wheat Jesus taught that the Kingdom had come, but evil men were still present. For
a time, the two would coexist. At judgment, they would be separated. Both of these parables concern the separation which will occur at the time of judgment.
Those who have entered the Kingdom through the new birth will be accepted into the visible Kingdom in its final form. All others will be cast out of the Kingdom:
There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the Kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. (Luke 13:28)
THE KINGDOM OF GOD WILL BE ESTABLISHED IN ITS VISIBLE FORM:
And there was given Him dominion, and glory, and a Kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve Him: His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His Kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. (Daniel 7:14)
TRUE BELIEVERS WILL REIGN WITH JESUS IN THE KINGDOM:
To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame and am set down with my Father in His throne. (Revelation 3:21)
THERE WILL BE A NEW HEAVEN AND A NEW EARTH:
You can read the descriptions of the new Heaven and earth in Revelation chapters 21 and 22. Jerusalem will be the throne of the Lord, and all nations will be gathered into it:
At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the Lord; and all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of the Lord, to Jerusalem: neither shall they walk any more after the imagination of their evil heart. (Jeremiah 3:17)
A SUMMARY
Now let us summarize the past, present, and future of the Kingdom of God. Study the following chart and then study the summary which follows the chart.
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Note the dotted line at the top of the diagram. It shows that God’s Kingdom existed in Heaven before the creation of the earth and will continue to exist eternally.
Note the arrows at the bottom of the diagram. God created the earth as an extension of His Heavenly Kingdom. He chose man as the instrument through which His Kingdom would be extended. Man failed in this responsibility.
Then God chose a nation through which His Kingdom would be extended. But Israel failed in the responsibility. They turned to heathen gods and accepted worldly standards instead of the Kingdom principles.
Then God sent His Son, Jesus Christ. Where the first man, Adam, failed, the second man, Jesus, succeeded. He ushered in the Kingdom of God on earth. Jesus provided a way, through spiritual rebirth, that man could live in the Kingdom of God and that Kingdom exist within him even though he still lived in the natural world. Because the King and His Kingdom were rejected, the
visible establishment of the Kingdom was postponed until a second coming.
To extend the message or “Gospel” of the Kingdom, God has now chosen the Church. The Church is the instrument through which the Kingdom message is to be shared with the nations of the world. Where the first chosen people, Israel, failed, the Church will succeed. When the Gospel of the Kingdom has been preached throughout the world, the second return of the King
will occur. The Kingdom of God will be established in its final, visible form. All other worldly kingdoms will be defeated.
You have learned of the past, present, and future of the Kingdom of God. Here are some other basic facts about this Kingdom:
IT IS RULED BY GOD FROM HIS THRONE IN HEAVEN:
The Lord hath prepared His throne in the Heavens; and His Kingdom ruleth over all. (Psalms 103:19)
IT IS RULED BY A KING WHO IS UNCHANGING:
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)
THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS ETERNAL:
Thy Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations. (Psalms 145:13)
And He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of His Kingdom there shall be no end. (Luke 1:33)
But unto the Son He saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy Kingdom. (Hebrews 1:8)
How great are His signs! And how mighty are His wonders! His Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom, and His dominion is from generation to generation. (Daniel 4:3)
THE KINGDOM OF GOD CANNOT BE MOVED, SHAKEN, OR DESTROYED:
Wherefore we receiving a Kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. (Hebrews 12:28)
THE KINGDOM WAS PREPARED SINCE THE BEGINNING:
Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. (Matthew 25:34)
GOD WANTS US TO INHERIT HIS KINGDOM:
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom. (Luke 12:32)
And I appoint unto you a Kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me. (Luke 22:29)
THE KINGDOM IS THE LORD’S:
For the Kingdom is the Lord’s; and He is the governor among the nations. (Psalms 22:28)
…For thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. (Matthew 6:13)
And the Lord shall be King over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and His name one. (Zechariah 14:9)
GOD’S KINGDOM IS SOVEREIGN OVER ALL OTHER KINGDOMS:
The Lord hath prepared His throne in the Heavens; and His Kingdom ruleth over all. (Psalms 103:19)
THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS COMPOSED OF PEOPLE FROM ALL NATIONS:
And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the Kingdom of God. (Luke 13:29)
GOD’S KINGDOM IS NOT A KINGDOM OF THIS WORLD:
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. (John 18:36)
GOD’S KINGDOM IS BASED ON SPIRITUAL PRINCIPLES:
For the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. (Romans 14:17)
For the Kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. (I Corinthians 4:20)
GOD’S KINGDOM CANNOT BE INHERITED BY FLESH AND BLOOD:
Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. (I Corinthians 15:50)
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God. Jesus answered, Verily, Verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. (John 3:3 and 5)
THERE ARE SPIRITUAL KEYS TO GOD’S KINGDOM:
And I will give unto thee the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and
whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven. (Matthew 16:19)
These “keys to the Kingdom” will be explained in the following chapter.
Human government was originally ordained by God to maintain proper organization and administer His laws on earth. God was to be the sovereign ruler over human government and it was to operate on the basis of His Word, plan, and purposes. It is evident in the world today that governments have not followed the original plan of God. They have become evil and oppressive.
They do not operate on the principles of God. Many of these governments and their rulers do not even acknowledge the existence of God. Such governments have become “kingdoms of the world” controlled by Satan.
Because you must live under human government it is important for you to know what the Bible
teaches regarding this subject:
Kingdoms Of The World
I. God originates governments
A. Governments are ordained by God: Romans 13:1
B. Rulers are God’s ministers: Romans 13:4,6
C. God sets up and takes down governments according to His will: Daniel 4:32; 5:21; Psalms 75:7
II. God’s plan for government
A. The original plan of God was for governments:
1. To maintain and promote the good of the people: Romans 13:3,4
2. To operate in righteousness and judge evil: Romans 13:3-4
B. Governments opposed to His plan:
1. Use authority unrighteously to fulfill selfish desires: I Kings 21:7-14
2. In such cases, God finally brings judgment upon the ruler or rulers: I Kings 21:19
III. Responsibilities of government to the people
A. Must not lead people into sin: I Kings 12:28-30
B. Must promote the good of the people: Romans 13:1-5
C. Must judge evil: Romans 13:3-4
D. Must maintain internal peace: I Samuel 30:21-24
E. Must protect the rights of its citizens: Acts 22:25-30
IV. Principles governing rulers:
A. The ruler is to be wise: Genesis 41:33; Deuteronomy 1:13
B. The ruler is to protect and help the poor and needy: Romans 12:4; Psalms 82:3-4
C. The ruler is to acknowledge God as God: Psalms 2:10,11
D. Rulers who do not recognize God are brought down:
1. Nebuchadnezzar: Daniel 4
2. Belshazzar: Daniel 5
3. Herod: Acts 12:21-23
E. God may set a ruler who is obedient to Him in place of one who is not: I Kings 11:11
F. God may remove a family from a place of authority because of sin: I Kings 14:7-11
G. Because of one man’s righteousness, God may allow him to maintain an heir or descendent on the throne: I Kings 11:13; Luke 1:32
V. Relation of people to the government
A. Rulers and laws are not to be resisted: Romans 13:2
1. Submit for the Lord’s sake: I Peter 2:13-14
2. Despising government is a sin of the flesh: II Peter 2:10
3. People must obey laws: Mark 12:17
B. There is an exception to such obedience: Commands of rulers are not to be obeyed when they are opposed to God’s commands or purposes:
1. Exodus 1:17
2. Daniel 3:18
3. Acts 5:29
C. People are to pay tribute to government: Romans 13:6-7; Matthew 17:25-27
D. God sometimes permits some freedom in choice of government: I Samuel 8:4-9
E. People must pray for rulers: I Timothy 2:1-2
VI. Human government is temporary. All governments will someday cease to exist: I Corinthians 15:24
Keys to the Kingdom
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
- Write the Key Verse from memory.
- Identify the keys to the Kingdom.
- Identify to whom the keys were given.
- Recognize repentance from sin is necessary to gain access to the Kingdom.
- Realize that continued spiritual growth is necessary to assure entrance to the Kingdom.
And I will give unto thee the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven. (Matthew 16:19)
You have learned about the existence of the eternal Kingdom of God and of the King, Jesus Christ. In this chapter you will discover how to gain access to the Kingdom of God as you study the “keys to the Kingdom.”
Before Jesus returned to Heaven He told His disciples:
And I appoint unto you a Kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me. (Luke 22:29)
Jesus also spoke of His Church which would extend the message of the Kingdom throughout the world:
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven. (Matthew 16:18-19)
In this passage Jesus revealed that Peter would be one of the spiritual foundation stones of the first church. This meant he would be a vital part of its growth and development. Peter’s name actually meant “a rock” or “stone.” Jesus then said of Himself, “…upon this rock I will build my Church” indicating that the Church would derive its existence from Him. He would be the rock upon which the Church was built.
There would be many other lesser stones (people like Peter). These stones would be an important part of the Church. But Jesus Himself was the cornerstone on which the structure of the Church was to be built.
Jesus then made two comments regarding this Church. First, He said that “the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.” This implied that the Church would have enemies fighting it, but assured that the enemies would not overcome it. Second, and most important to our study, Jesus promised to give the keys to His Kingdom to the Church.
In the natural world if you possess the keys to a building, it means you have authority there. The authority Jesus was speaking of in this passage is a spiritual authority. He gave the Church spiritual keys to the doors of His Kingdom. Jesus said “I” will give them. The power and authority of the Church was to flow from Jesus. The use of the word “will” (future tense) meant that the keys had not yet been given at the time Jesus spoke. This power was released in Acts 2 when the Holy Ghost was given to believers:
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8)
The keys to the Kingdom were the power to bind and loose. To bind something means to put fetters or a bond on it. It is like closing and locking the door to a room. To loose something is to release or set it free. It is similar to opening the door to a room.
The Church would have a position of authority. It would have the keys to God’s Kingdom. It would be the instrument through which the spiritual doors to the Kingdom would be opened to the nations of the world. Peter would be the first to use these keys to the Kingdom. He would open the door of ministry to the Gentile nations of the world.
The Church would have the power to loose the spiritual forces of good and bind the spiritual forces of evil. In every difficulty faced by believers, binding and loosing would be the key to victory.
The keys to the Kingdom were given by Jesus to the Church. But specifically, how was entrance to be gained to the Kingdom of God? John 3:1-21 records the story of Nicodemus, a religious leader at the time of Christ’s ministry on earth. He came to Jesus desiring to gain access to the Kingdom of God and, by doing so, inherit eternal life. Jesus told him:
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God. (John 3:3)
Nicodemus was confused. He asked Jesus:
How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? (John 3:4)
Jesus explained to Nicodemus that the “born-again” experience of which He spoke was not a physical birth. Through physical birth you are born into a kingdom of this world as a citizen of a nation.
At natural birth, you inherit the basic sin nature:
Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. (Psalms 51:5)
Because God’s Kingdom is a spiritual kingdom, you must be born into it through spiritual rebirth. You must change your residency from the kingdom of Satan to the Kingdom of God. Jesus said:
That which is born of the flesh is flesh: and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. (John 3:6-7)
Paul explained that you could not enter the Kingdom with a flesh and blood body: Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God… (I Corinthians 15:50) You enter the Kingdom of God and become heirs of the Kingdom through spiritual rebirth. The way to be born again is by believing that Jesus died to pay the penalty for your sins.
You must confess your sins, ask forgiveness, and place your trust in Him: For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:16-17)
(Repentance from sin and having faith toward God is covered in a Harvestime International Institute course entitled “Foundations Of Faith.” If you have not received the born again experience, we encourage you to obtain this course and study more in this area.)
It is through Jesus that you can move from the kingdom of Satan to the Kingdom of God:
(God) Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated us into the Kingdom of His dear Son. (Colossians 1:13)
When Jesus came to earth to extend the Kingdom of God, some who acknowledged Him as King thought the Kingdom would come through revolution. They thought there would be an actual physical revolt against the existing ruling powers of the world. But Jesus taught that the key to His Kingdom was not revolution but repentance:
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. (John 18:36)
Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the Gospel. (Mark 1:14-15)
From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. (Matthew 4:17)
When Jesus died on the cross two thieves were crucified on crosses near Him. One of them repented and asked:
Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy Kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:42-43)
Repentance is the only way to gain access to the Kingdom of God. Jesus warned that there would be many false doctrines and false prophets claiming they were the way to the Kingdom:
Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (Matthew 7:13-14)
There is only one way to enter the Kingdom and that is through Jesus Christ. Jesus warned that you should enter the gate to eternal life now, because someday the entrance will be shut:
Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us: and He shall answer and say unto you, I know not whence ye are. (Luke 13:24-25)
Now the door to the Kingdom is open. You can enter it by repenting from sin. In the time of God’s judgment of the world, it will be too late. The door will be closed.
Jesus told a series of parables in Luke 15:1-32. You will learn more about parables later in this course.
Parables were natural examples Jesus used to illustrate spiritual truths. Read the parables in Luke 15 about a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son. They all concern entrance to the Kingdom of God.
- The parable of the shepherd seeking the lost sheep illustrates how God seeks to bring those who are spiritually lost into His Kingdom.
- The parable of the woman looking for a lost coin illustrates the diligence with which you should seek for those lost in sin to guide them to the Kingdom.
- The parable of the lost son illustrates the principle of repentance through which you can gain your rightful place as an heir of the Kingdom of God.
It is through faith in God and His Son, Jesus Christ that you enter the Kingdom of God:
Hearken, my beloved brethren, hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the Kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him. (James 2:5)
The Apostle Peter, however, speaks of spiritual qualities you should seek to develop in your life after the new birth experience:
And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue: and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (II Peter 1:5-11)
After you enter the Kingdom through faith, you must develop a lifestyle consistent with governing principles of the Kingdom of God. If you do not do this, you will soon forget God has cleansed you from sin and return to the old sinful lifestyle.
Peter says that if you go on to spiritual maturity your entrance to the Kingdom will be assured. Later in this course you will learn principles for living in the Kingdom of God which will help you achieve spiritual maturity.
In a previous chapter you studied an outline of the life and teachings of Jesus organized on the basis of the King, the Kingdom, and principles of the Kingdom. The outline combined the four Gospel records of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Now you will study one of the Gospels in detail. The book of Matthew, although written for all believers, targeted the Jews as its original audience. Matthew presented Jesus as the promised Messiah and stressed the role of Jesus as King of the Jews. Matthew emphasized the Gospel of the Kingdom taught by Jesus. Because of this emphasis, Matthew is one of the most Kingdomoriented books of the Bible. The word “kingdom” is found more than 50 times in Matthew’s record and he uses the phrase “Kingdom of Heaven” throughout the entire book.
Part One: The Genealogy Of The King 1:1-17
I. Introduction: 1:1
II. People in the genealogy: 1:2-16
III. The plan of the genealogy: 1:17
Part Two: The Birth Of The King 1:18-2:23
I. The conception: 1:18-23
II. The birth: 1:24-25
III. Events related to the birth: 2:1-23
A. Visit of the wise men and Herod’s plot: 2:1-12
B. The flight into Egypt: 2:13-15
C. Herod’s revenge: 2:16-18
D. Return to the Nazareth home: 2:19-23
Part Three: Preparation 3:1-4:11
I. Preparation for the King’s coming: 3:1-17
A. The ministry and message of John the Baptist: 3:1-12
B. The baptism of the King: 3:13-17
II. Preparation of the King: 4:1-11
A. His humanity attacked by Satan: 4:1-4
B. His divinity attacked by Satan: 4:5-7
C. His Lordship attacked by Satan: 4:8-11
Part Four: Ministry Of The King In Galilee 4:12-13:58
I. A call to repentance: 4:12-17
II. Four fishermen called to discipleship: 4:18-22
III. Early success and fame: 4:23-25
IV. Principles of conduct for Kingdom citizens: 5:1-7:28
A. Attitudes that should characterize Kingdom citizens: 5:1-12
B. The witness of Kingdom citizens: Light and salt: 5:13-16
C. Kingdom principles in relation to the law and the prophets: 5:17-48
l. God’s law in general: 15:17-20
2. The new law: 15:21-48
a. Killing: 15:21-26
b. Adultery: 15:27-30
c. Divorce: 15:31-32
d. Oaths: 15:33-37
e. Treatment of others: 15:38-48
D. Three attitudes of worship in the Kingdom: 6:1-18
1. Giving: Outward look: 6:1-4
2. Praying: Upward look: 6:5-15
3. Fasting: Inward look: 6:16-18
E. Priorities for Kingdom citizens: 6:19-33
l. In relation to values: 6:19-21
2. In relation to service: 6:22-24
3. In relation to material needs: 6:25-34
4. The proper priority: The Kingdom: 6:33
F. Proper conduct for Kingdom citizens: 7:1-29
l. Judging: 7:1-5
2. Care for that which is holy: 7:6
3. Prayer: 7:7-12
a. Three kinds of prayer: Asking, seeking, knocking: 7:7-8
b. A comparison between the response of natural fathers and the Heavenly Father: 7:9-11
G. Special warnings to Kingdom citizens: 7:13-29
l. Two gates: 7:13-14
2. False prophets: 7:15-20
3. The proof of God’s man: Doing His will: 7:21-23
4. A comparison of wise and foolish men: 7:24-27
H. Astonishment at the doctrine of Jesus: 7:28-29
V. The authority of the King: 8:1-9:38
A. Authority over disease: 8:1-17
l. Healing of a leper: 8:1-4
2. Healing of the Centurion’s servant: 8:5-13
3. Healing of Peter’s mother-in-law: 8:14-15
4. Healing of all types of diseases: 8:16-17
B. Authority over His disciples: 8:18-22
C. Authority over natural elements: 8:23-27
D. Authority over demons: 8:28-34
E. Authority over sin: 9:1-8
F. Authority over men: 9:9-17
l. The calling of Matthew: 9:9
2. Eating with sinners: 9:10-13
3. Answering a challenge: 9:14-17
G. Authority over death: The ruler’s daughter: 9:18-19, 23-26
H. Authority over physical conditions: 9:20-38
l. Woman with the issue of blood: 9:20-22
2. Blindness: 9:27-31
3. Deafness and demon possession: 9:32-34
4. The compassion of Jesus: 9:35-38
VI. Commissioned by the King: 10:1-42
A. The twelve missionaries and their authority: 10:1-4
B. Instructions for the journey: 10:5-42
l. Where to go: 10:5-6
2. The ministry: 10:7-8
3. Material instructions: 10:9-15
4. Spiritual instructions: 10:16-42
VII. Attitudes towards the Kingdom: 11:1-30
A. The Kingdom misunderstood: 11:1-11
B. The Kingdom perverted: 11:12-19
C. The Kingdom rejected: 11:20-24
D. The Kingdom accepted: 11:25-30
VIII. Controversies with the Pharisees: 12:1-14
A. Harvesting on the Sabbath: 12:1-8
B. Healing on the Sabbath: 12:9-13
C. The results: 12:14-21
IX. The unpardonable sin: 12:22-37
X. Christ’s reply to demands of the Pharisees: 12:38-45
XI. The priority of spiritual over physical relationships in the Kingdom: 12:46-50
XII. Parables of the Kingdom: 13:1-53
A. Parable of the sower: 13:1-9
B. The reason for speaking in parables: 13:10-17
C. Interpretation of the parable of the sower: 13:18-23
D. Parable of the tares: 13:24-30
E. Parable of the mustard seed: 13:31-32
F. Parable of the leaven: 13:33
G. A summary concerning parables: 13:34-35
H. Interpretation of the parable of the tares: 13:36-43
I. Parable of the treasure hidden in a field: 13:44
J. Parable of the pearl of great value: 13:45-46
K. Parable of the dragnet: 13:47-50
L. Concluding remarks about parables: 13:51-52
XIII. The King’s reception in His home town: 13:53-58
Part Five: Ministry In Regions Near Galilee 14:1-18:35
I. The death of John the Baptist: 14:1-12
II. Jesus’ withdrawal beyond the sea: 14:13-15:20
A. Feeding the 5,000: 14:13-21
B. Following for loaves and fishes: 14:22-23
C. Walking on the sea: 14:24-33
D. Ministry in Gennesaraet: 14:34-36
E. Controversy with the Pharisees and Scribes: 15:1-20
III. Jesus’ withdrawal to the region of Tyre and Sidon: 15:21-28
A. The women of Tyre and Sidon: 15:21-28
IV. Jesus’ withdrawal to the vicinity of Decapolis: 15:29-38
A. Healing ministry near the Sea of Galilee: 15:29-31
B. Feeding the 4,000: 15:32-38
V. Ministry in the regions of Magadan: 15:39-16:4
VI. Warning the disciples concerning the Pharisees and the Sadducees: 16:5-12
A. Seeking for a sign: 16:1-4
B. Warning concerning their doctrine: 16:5-12
VII. Withdrawal to Caesarea-Philippi: 16:13-17:21
A. Testing the disciples: 16:13-20
B. Announcement of His death, resurrection, and return: 16:21-28
C. The transfiguration: 17:1-13
D. Healing of a lunatic: 17:14-20
VIII. A brief visit to Galilee: 17:22-18:35
A. A reminder of His death and resurrection: 17:22-23
B. Paying the temple tax: 17:24-27
C. A lesson in greatness: 18:1-6
D. Warnings concerning offenses: 18:7-9
E. Parable of the lost sheep: 18:10-14
F. Settling disputes among Kingdom citizens: 18:15-35
1. How to settle disputes: 18:15-17
2. The responsibilities and privileges of Kingdom citizens: 18:18-20
3. A question on forgiveness: 18:21-22
4. The King and his debtors: 18:23-35
Part Six: Ministry Of The King In Perea 19:1-20:34
I. Healing multitudes in Judea: 19:1-2
II. The question concerning divorce: 19:3-12
III. Children blessed by Jesus: 19:13-15
IV. Interview with the rich young ruler: 19:16-22
V. The peril of riches: 19:23-30
VI. Parable of the householder: 20:1-16
VII. Impending death and resurrection of Jesus: 20:17-19
VIII. A mother’s selfish request: 20:20-28
IX. Two blind men healed near Jericho: 20:29-34
Part Seven: The King’s Last Week 21:1-27:31
I. The royal entry into Jerusalem: 21:1-11
II. Cleansing the temple: 21:12-17
III. The fig tree cursed: 21:18-22
IV. The authority of Jesus challenged: 21:23-32
V. Parable of the wicked husbandmen: 21:33-46
VI. Parable of the marriage feast: 22:1-14
VII. Attempts to discredit Jesus: 22:15-45
A. Question of paying taxes to Caesar: 22:15-22
B. Question concerning the resurrection: 22:23-33
C. Question of the great commandment: 22:34-40
D. Questions by Jesus: 22:41-46
VIII. Discussion concerning the Scribes and Pharisees: 23:1-39
A. They pretend religious authority: 23:1-3
B. They impose burdens: 23:4
C. They covet praise: 23:5-7
D. Advice to His disciples: 23:8-12
E. Woes upon the Scribes and Pharisees: 23:13-36
F. The cry over Jerusalem: 23:37-39
IX. The future of the Kingdom: 24:1-25:46
A. The destruction of the temple: 24:1-2
B. Signs of the end: 24:3-14
C. The tribulation period: 24:15-22
D. The return of Jesus: 24:23-31
E. Parable of the fig tree: 24:32-35
F. The day of the Lord: 24:36-41
G. The command to watch: 24:42-51
H. Parables concerning the end times: 25:1-46
l. The ten virgins: 25:1-13
2. The talents: 25:14-30
3. The sheep and goats: 25:31-46
X. Events prior to the crucifixion: 26:1-27:31
A. Announcement of approaching death: 26:1-2
B. The plot to kill Jesus: 26:3-5
C. Anointed for burial: 26:6-13
D. Agreement of Judas to betray Jesus: 26:14-16
E. The Last Supper: 26:17-29
l. Preparations for the Passover: 26:17-19
2. The Last Supper: 26:20-29
3. Jesus’ warning and Peter’s boast: 26:30-35
F. Gethsemane: 26:36-46
G. Betrayal and arrest: 26:47-56
H. The trials of Jesus: 26:57-27:26
Part Eight: The King’s Death And Triumph 27:27-28:20
I. The crucifixion and burial: 27:27-66
A. The mockery of the soldiers: 27:27-31
B. The road to and death on Calvary: 27:32-54
C. The faithful women, the burial, and tomb guard: 27:55-66
II. The resurrection: 28:1-15
III. The Great Commission: 28:16-20
Cast Out of the Kingdom
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
- Write the Key Verse from memory.
- Identify Biblical passages which list sins preventing entrance to the Kingdom of God.
- Define sins which prevent entrance into the Kingdom of God.
- Provide a Biblical reference which explains how to eliminate sins preventing entrance to the Kingdom.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven: but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in Heaven. (Matthew 7:21)
In the last chapter you learned spiritual keys which permit access to the Kingdom of God.
This chapter concerns things which prevent entrance into the Kingdom of God. It deals with the tragic reality that some people will be cast out of the Kingdom.
There are many who profess to be part of God’s Kingdom who are not actually Kingdom residents. The Bible speaks of the Kingdom being filled with good seed and tares resulting from bad seed:
The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the Kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one…
…The Son of Man (Jesus) shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity. And shall cast them into a furnace of fire; there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the Kingdom of their Father… (Matthew 13:38-43)
At the present time there are those who claim to be Kingdom residents who still live in sin. There will come a future day of judgment when God will separate these people from the true residents of the Kingdom. Those who are evil will be cast out of the Kingdom of God. The Bible also compares the present Kingdom to a big net thrown into the sea which gathers many kinds of fish:
Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:
Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth and sever the wicked from among the just. And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 13:47-50)
The Bible tells of a day in the future when…
…Many shall come from the east, and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven. (Matthew 8:11)
But Jesus warns that…
There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the Kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. (Luke 13:28)
Before the final establishment of the Kingdom, God will judge all men, those alive at the return of Jesus and those who previously died: I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick (alive) and the dead at His appearing and His Kingdom. (II Timothy 4:1)
At the time of final judgment there will be division made between all men. Some will enter the Kingdom and some will be cast out:
When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory: And before Him shall be gathered all nations: and He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And He shall set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand, Come ye blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. (Matthew 25:31-34)
Because the Bible reveals some people will be cast out of the Kingdom, it is important to understand how to gain permanent residency in the Kingdom of God. Jesus said:
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven: but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in Heaven. (Matthew 7:21)
Acknowledging Jesus is Lord does not assure permanent residency in the Kingdom of God. Jesus said verbal commitment was not enough. You must do the will of the Father. It is God’s will that you repent of your sins and receive Jesus Christ as Savior:
The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (II Peter 3:9)
After accepting Jesus as Savior you must continue to do the will of God. You must live by the principles of the new Kingdom into which you have entered. These principles will be explained later in this course.
Becoming a resident of the Kingdom of God requires more than a verbal commitment. It involves changes in thought and action patterns. You must develop a new lifestyle consistent with the patterns and principles of God’s Kingdom. The importance of doing God’s will is stressed in a story told by Jesus in Matthew 21:28-32.
Read this story in your Bible. It reveals that personal response to the Gospel is necessary. Verbal commitment is not enough. You must take action.
Sin prevents entrance to the Kingdom of God. Sin is breaking the law of God: Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. (I John 3:4)
There are many sins identified in the New Testament. In another Harvestime International Institute course entitled “Foundations Of Faith” there is a complete listing of these sins.
Two specific passages identify sins which prevent entrance to the Kingdom of God:
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners shall inherit the Kingdom of God. (I Corinthians 6:9-10)
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21)
Some sins are listed in both of these passages, and each passage contains sins not listed in the other reference. The following sins are mentioned in both Corinthians and Galatians:
UNRIGHTEOUS:
The first listing in the Corinthians passage states that the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Galatians repeats that the unrighteous are not heirs to the Kingdom. Galatians calls it “uncleanness” which is spiritual or moral unrighteousness. Many nations of the world have a system whereby a person, upon their death, can pass on possessions to other people.
The people who are to inherit are called heirs. If you are the heir to something it means you are to inherit it; something is being given to you from someone else. But in order to receive, you must meet certain requirements. You must be a rightful heir according to the laws of the nation. You are an heir of the Kingdom of God. Jesus made you an heir at the time of His death.
Through His death for your sins, you can gain entrance to the Kingdom. But to be a rightful heir you must receive forgiveness for past sins, trust Jesus to change your lifestyle, thoughts, and actions, and begin to live righteously. These are the requirements set by the Scriptures.
The word “righteous” means to be just, right, and holy. It means to conform to the will of God as revealed in His written Word with holiness in thought, word, and action. Righteousness cannot be obtained by obedience to any law. It is only obtained through faith in
Jesus. The person who trusts in Jesus becomes “the righteousness of God in Him.” He becomes all God requires a man to be and all that he could never be in himself:
For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin: that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. (II Corinthians 5:21)
The scribes and Pharisees, religious leaders during the time of Christ’s earthly ministry, tried to be righteous by conforming to religious traditions. But Jesus warned:
…Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. (Matthew 5:20)
Jesus told the religious leaders:
…Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye shut up the Kingdom of Heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. (Matthew 23:13)
Anyone who adopts religious creeds, traditions, rules, or regulations to try to obtain righteousness is in the same class as the scribes and Pharisees. Such things are false righteousness. They involve outward conformity to rules rather than an inward change of heart.
If someone teaches such traditions are the way to obtain righteousness, then they prevent the entrance of others into the Kingdom.
The terms “unrighteousness” and “uncleanness” are very inclusive. Although all the sins identified in God’s Word are not listed in the Galatians and Corinthians passages, these two terms include all sin. Anyone living unrighteously in any sin will not enter the Kingdom.
Note that the Corinthians passage warns “do not be deceived.” To believe you can live as you please and still enter the Kingdom of God is a deceptive lie of Satan.
FORNICATORS:
Fornication is sexual intercourse by two people who are not married to each other. This sin includes adultery, which is sexual intercourse by a married person with someone who is not their mate. Fornication also includes sexual intercourse between people who are not married. It includes sexual sins such as homosexuality (sex with someone of the same sex) and incest (sex with a blood relative).
IDOLATERS:
Idolatry is the worship of idols. This does not just mean the worship of images out of stone, wood, or precious metals. An idol is anything that is more important to us than God. Idolaters are those who practice idolatry or worship something other than the true God. Idolatry
the lack of acknowledgment of God’s rightful position in your life.
ADULTERERS:
Adultery is sexual intercourse by a married person with someone who is not their mate.
DRUNKARDS:
In the Galatians passage this sin is called drunkenness. It is the condition of having mental and physical faculties affected by drinking of strong drink, usually alcoholic beverages.
The following sins are listed only in the Corinthians passage:
EFFEMINATE:
This not only applies to a male who practices lewd sexual sins, but those guilty of sexual sins of the flesh.
ABUSERS OF THEMSELVES WITH MANKIND:
To abuse means to take unfair advantage or mistreat. People who “abuse themselves with mankind” commit wrong sexual acts with others. In doing so, they are abusing their own bodies.
THIEVES:
Thieves are people who steal. They take things that belong to other people without their permission or knowledge. They are also called robbers.
COVETOUS:
When you covet something you long for something with intense desire, wishing you had something instead of the person who has it. You might covet someone’s money, property, position, or power. You might also covet someone’s husband or wife.
EXTORTIONERS:
Extortion means to take a thing by force, to make someone give you something by exercising power over them.
REVILERS:
Revile means to speak profanely, speak against, or talk back to someone in an unholy manner.
The following sins are listed only in the Galatians passage:
LASCIVIOUSNESS:
Lasciviousness is the sin of lust, sinful emotions, lewd, filthy, and shameless conduct.
WITCHCRAFT:
Witchcraft is the practice of witches, including white and black magic, sorcery, astrology, voodoo, use of potions, spells, enchantments, and drugs. It includes all Satanic practices and worship.
HATRED:
Hatred is the opposite of love. It is an emotion of intense dislike for another person.
VARIANCE:
Variance is disagreement, disharmony, and dissension. It is similar to strife.
EMULATIONS:
Emulations is the desire to copy others and to equal or excel them. It is a spirit of rivalry and a form of jealousy.
WRATH:
Wrath is violent anger, an angry act, or rage.
STRIFE:
Strife is quarreling, fighting, or conflict. It means a clash or dispute.
SEDITIONS:
Sedition is the stirring up of unrest or discord.
HERESIES:
Heresies are beliefs contrary to the Word of God. They are self-willed opinions which are in error and lead to division in the church.
ENVYINGS:
Envy is jealousy excited by the success of others, resenting their financial, spiritual, or material blessings.
MURDERERS:
To murder is to take the life of another with willful malice and forethought. Murder is not the same as self-defense or an accidental killing.
REVELLINGS:
This means to engage or delight in worldly living, riotous, or boisterous behavior.
In addition to these lists of specific sins, there are other things mentioned in the Bible which result in entrance to the Kingdom being denied:
FLESH AND BLOOD:
Paul warned:
Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. (I Corinthians 15:50)
This relates back to the keys to the Kingdom discussed in the previous chapter. The Kingdom of God is a spiritual Kingdom. You cannot enter it with your flesh and blood body. As discussed in the last chapter, you must make a spiritual decision to enter the Kingdom by being born again:
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.
…Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. (John 3:3 and 5)
For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (II Peter 1:11)
LACK OF CHILDLIKE FAITH:
Jesus said…
Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. (Matthew 18:3)
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. (Mark 10:15)
It is necessary to become like a little child in order to enter the Kingdom of God. This does not mean you become physically or emotionally like a child, any more than being born again means entering again into your mother’s womb. It means you must enter the Kingdom by simple, childlike faith. If you do not do so, you cannot enter the Kingdom.
RICHES:
On one occasion during the earthly ministry of Jesus, a certain ruler said he wanted to follow Him as a disciple. (Read this story in Luke 18:18-25). This ruler was a righteous man, but Jesus said…
Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in Heaven: and come, follow me. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. (Luke 18:22-23)
The rich ruler would not follow Jesus because His riches were more important than the Lord…
And when Jesus saw that He was very sorrowful, He said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the Kingdom of God. (Luke 18:24)
And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto His disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the Kingdom of God. And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the Kingdom of God!
It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God. (Mark 10:23-25)
Jesus did not mean that riches would keep men out of the Kingdom. It is the love of riches that keep men from the Kingdom because…
…the love of money is the root of all evil… (I Timothy 6:10)
When riches are more important than following Jesus they prevent entrance to the Kingdom.
If you are guilty of any sin, there is only one remedy: Forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Paul said:
And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. (I Corinthians 6:11)
No matter what you have done in the past, no matter what you are doing in the present, you can be forgiven:
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:8-9)
When you are cleansed from all unrighteousness, you are forgiven of all sins which prevent entrance to the Kingdom of God.
Open your Bible to Mark 9:43-48.
In this passage Jesus teaches that if your hand or foot offends you, you are to cut them off. He says if your eye offends you, pluck it out:
And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the Kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. (Mark 9:47)
Jesus means that anything which causes sin in your life must be removed. Even though it is something you consider needful or precious, it must be removed. He uses the example of the hand, foot, and eye. In the natural these are needful and precious body parts. But Jesus says if they cause you to sin, it is better to remove them than to let them prevent your entrance into the Kingdom.
There is nothing…no sin, pleasure, or possession worth the penalty of being cast out of the Kingdom.
Study these references to the Kingdom of God and summarize the Kingdom principles taught in the book of Mark:
- 1:14-15
- 3:24
- 4:11,26,30
- 9:1,47
- 10:14-15, 23-25
- 11:9-10
- 13:8
- 14:25
- 15:43
Patterns and Principles: An Introduction
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
- Write the Key Verse from memory.
- Define the word “pattern.”
- Define the word “principle.”
- Explain what is meant by a “Biblical pattern.”
- Explain what is meant by a “Biblical principle.”
- Explain what is meant by “Kingdom patterns and principles.”
All this, said David, the Lord made me understand in writing by His hand upon me, even all the works of this pattern. (I Chronicles 28:19)
In the previous chapter you learned of spiritual keys which provide entrance to the Kingdom of God. When you take up residency in the Kingdom of God you must learn the patterns and principles of Kingdom living. It is similar to learning the lifestyle of a new country to which you have immigrated.
The Bible is the written record of the patterns and principles by which the Kingdom of God operates. Before you study the principles in the following chapters, you must understand their importance.
A pattern is an original or model of something created for the purpose of imitation. It is something designed to be copied or imitated. For example, in the western world clothing is created from patterns. A dress pattern is placed on material and the material cut according to the pattern. Many dresses can be created from the same pattern and they will all be identical because they came from the same pattern.
A principle is a truth, method, or rule adopted as the basis for action or conduct. It is a general truth composed of other subordinate truths. “Subordinate” truths are related to the general truth. For example, a basic principle of the constitution of the United States of America provides for freedom of expression. The subordinate truths include the rights to write and speak freely, conduct lawful assemblies, express beliefs, etc.
A Biblical pattern is a spiritual model or example given in Scripture for purposes of imitation. For example, the life of Jesus Christ is given as a pattern or model which believers are to follow. A Biblical principle is a spiritual truth taught in Scripture.
Such principles often incorporate additional subordinate principles which apply to many different situations. For example, one Biblical principle taught by Jesus is “Give and ye shall receive.” Its subordinate truths apply to giving money, material goods, friendship, etc. In each of these, spiritual benefits are received as a result of the act of giving.
Read Ezekiel 43:7-12. This passage stresses the importance of patterns and principles. God specific patterns for the nation of Israel to follow which included spiritual patterns of conduct as well as material patterns for their places of worship. But Israel set up their own patterns.
This is what God means when He says they have “set up their thresholds by my thresholds” and “their posts by my posts.” Because Israel created their own patterns, they erected a wall of separation between them and God which stopped the flow of God’s power. It prevented their worship and service from being acceptable to Him. The prophet Ezekiel told the people to look at God’s pattern and measure the pattern of their lives accordingly:
Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities; and let them measure the pattern. (Ezekiel 43:10)
When people set up their own patterns of conduct, their own denominational, religious, or cultural rules, they set up a false standard of measurement. They begin to teach as Biblical doctrine things that are nothing but commandments of men.
Jesus said of such people:
But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. (Matthew 15:9)
It is important to understand Biblical patterns and principles because otherwise your worship of God can be in vain.
There are many worldly standards of measurement. There are different patterns for worldly conduct and success which men pattern themselves after. Men measure themselves by other men instead of by God’s standard. The Apostle Paul wrote:
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. (II Corinthians 10:12)
When Moses was given instructions for building the tabernacle, he was cautioned to do everything according to the pattern given by God:
According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it… And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount. (Exodus 25:9, 40)
…as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith He, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount. (Hebrews 8:5)
King David was careful to follow God’s pattern when he planned for the construction of the temple:
All this, said David, the Lord made me understand in writing by His hand upon me, even all the works of this pattern. (I Chronicles 28:19)
These men were careful to follow the pattern of God in the physical world. How much more careful we should be to follow the spiritual patterns and principles found in the Bible.
Jesus was the great example by which believers are to pattern their lives:
For I (Jesus) have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. (John 13:15)
The lives of men and women of God are recorded in the Bible as patterns for us to follow:
Now these things were our examples… (I Corinthians 10:6)
Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition… (I Corinthians 10:11)
The record of the nations in the Bible provide positive examples for other nations to follow and negative examples to avoid:
And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly. (II Peter 2:6)
Christian leaders are to be examples to their followers:
Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. (I Peter 5:2-3)
The Apostle Paul wrote:
Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (Philippians 3:17)
Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. (II Thessalonians 3:9)
Believers are to be spiritual patterns themselves. They are to provide a positive spiritual example for others to follow:
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. (I Timothy 4:12)
So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. (I Thessalonians 1:7)
In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works… (Titus 2:7)
If you are to provide a positive spiritual pattern for others, then you must understand and incorporate Biblical principles into your life.
In Hebrews 5:12 Paul refers to the “first principles of the oracles of God.” In Hebrews 6:1-3 he lists these principles. Because of their importance, Harvestime International Institute has devoted an entire course, “Foundations Of Faith,” to these principles.
We suggest you obtain the course, “Foundations Of Faith,” as a companion to this course. It explains in detail the importance of basic Biblical principles. These basic principles provide the spiritual foundation for incorporating Kingdom patterns and principles into your life.
In the following chapters you will learn patterns and principles which govern life in the Kingdom of God as you study “The Culture Of The Kingdom.”
These patterns and principles differ from worldly standards and from the patterns and principles of the kingdoms of this world.
In the next few chapters you will study basic principles governing life in the Kingdom of God. These principles are based upon commandments given by Jesus. Use the following outline to study these commands.
COMMANDS OF THE KING
REPENTANCE:
-Repent: Matthew 4:17; Revelation 2:5
-Come unto Me: Matthew 11:28
-Seek first God, and His righteousness: Matthew 6:33
-Forgive if ye have anything against anyone: Mark 11:25
-Deny yourself: Matthew 16:24
-Ask…seek…knock: Matthew 7:7
BELIEF:
-Believe the Gospel: Mark 1:15
-Ye believe in God, believe also in Me: John 14:1
-Believe on Him whom He (God) hath sent: John 6:28-29
-Believe Me that I am in the Father He in Me: John 14:11
-Believe the works…I do: John 10:37-38
-While ye have light, believe in the light: John 12:36
-Believe that ye receive: Mark 11:24
THE NEW BIRTH:
-Ye must be born again: John 3:7
-Cleanse first that which is within: Matthew 23:26
-Make the tree good, and his fruit good: Matthew 12:33
-Abide in Me, and I in you: John 15:4
-Have salt in yourselves: Mark 9:50
-Labor…for that meat which endureth: John 6:27
-Rejoice, your names are in heaven: Luke 10:20
RECEIVING THE HOLY GHOST:
-Receive ye the Holy Ghost: John 20:22
-Let the children first be filled: Mark 7:27
-If any man thirst, let him come to me: John 7:37-39
-Keep My commandments; another comforter: John 14:15-17
-Ask…with importunity: John 16:24; Luke 11:5-13
-Tarry…until ye be endued with power: Luke 24:49
-The comforter will testify of me and ye also: John 15:26-27
FOLLOWING JESUS:
-Follow Me: John 12:26
-Be baptized: Matthew 3:13-15; 28:19
-This do in remembrance of Me: Luke 22:17-19
-Ye also ought to wash one another’s feet: John 13:14-15
-If any man come after Me…let him take His cross: Luke 9:23
-Learn of Me: Matthew 11:29
-Continue ye in My love: John 15:9
PRAYER:
-Pray always: Luke 21:36
-Pray that ye enter not in temptation: Luke 22:40-46
-Pray…the Lord of the harvest for laborers: Luke 10:2
-Pray for them which despitefully use you: Luke 6:28
-Pray to the Father…in My name: Matthew 6:6; John 16:24-26
-After this manner therefore pray ye: Matthew 6:9-13
-When ye pray, use not vain repetitions: Matthew 6:7-8
FAITH:
-Have faith in God: Mark 11:22
-Be not faithless: John 20:27
-Neither be ye of doubtful mind: Luke 12:29
-Take no thought for your life: Matthew 6:25-34
-Let not your heart be troubled: John 14:1-27
-Be of good cheer: Matthew 14:27
-Be not afraid: Mark 5:36; Luke 12:4-7
FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH:
-Be thou faithful unto death: Revelation 2:10
-Hold that fast which thou hast: Revelation 3:11
-When men revile you and persecute you, be glad: Matthew 5:11-12; Luke 6:23
-When they persecute you in this city, flee to another: Matthew 10:23
-Take no thought what ye shall speak: Matthew 10:19
-Murmur not among yourselves: John 6:41-43
-Look up, and lift up your heads: Luke 21:28
PREACHING THE GOSPEL:
-Preach the Gospel to every creature: Matthew 10:7; Mark 16:15
-Repentance should be preached in Christ’s name: Luke 24:46-47
-Baptize in the name of the Trinity: Matthew 28:19
-Teach them…all things I have commanded you: Matthew 28:20
-What I tell you…that speak: Matthew 10:27; Mark 4:22
-Feed My sheep: John 21:15-17
-Heal the sick: Matthew 10:8
COVETOUSNESS:
-Take heed and beware of covetousness: Luke 12:15
-Lay not up treasures upon earth: Matthew 6:19-20
-Ye pay tithe…and not leave (them) undone: Matthew 23:23
-Give to him that asketh thee: Matthew 5:42
-Give alms of such things as ye have: Luke 11:41
-When thou makest a dinner…call the poor: Luke 14:12-13
HYPOCRISY:
-Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees: Luke 12:1
-Beware of the scribes: Luke 20:46-47
-Do not ye after their works: Matthew 23:2-3
-Make not My Father’s house a house of merchandise: John 2:16
-Do not your alms before men: Matthew 6:1-4
-Enter into thy closet and pray in secret: Matthew 6:5-6
-When thou fastest…appear not unto men to fast: Matthew 6:16-18
MEEKNESS:
-Take My yoke upon you: Matthew 11:29
-Do not exercise dominion as the Gentiles do: Matthew 20:25-26
-Whosoever will be the chief shall be servant of all: Mark 10:43-44
-Be not ye called Rabbi: Matthew 23:8
-Sit not down in the highest room: Luke 14:8-11
-Rejoice not, that the spirits are subject: Luke 10:20
-Say “We are unprofitable servants”: Luke 17:10
LOVE FOR THE BRETHREN:
-Love one another as I have loved you: John 15:12
-Despise not one of these little ones: Matthew 18:10-14
-Have peace one with another…and be reconciled: Matthew 5:23-24; Mark 9:50
-Resolve offenses with your brother: Matthew 18:15-17
-Forgive your brother seven times a day: Matthew 18:21-22; Luke 17:3-4
-Judge not according to appearance: Matthew 7:1-5; John 7:24
-Condemn not: Luke 6:37
PERFECT LOVE:
-Be ye therefore perfect: Matthew 5:48
-Sell that ye have, and give alms: Matthew 19:21; Luke 12:32-33
-Love your enemies: Matthew 5:44; 26:52
-Do good to them which hate you: Luke 6:27-28
-Lend, hoping for nothing again: Luke 6:35
-Resist not evil: Matthew 5:39-41
-In your patience possess ye your souls: Luke 21:19
SUPREME LOVE TO GOD:
-Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart…soul…mind…strength: Mark 12:30
-God, and Him only shalt thou serve: Matthew 4:10
-Worship the Father in spirit and truth: John 4:23-24
-Call no man your father upon the earth: Matthew 23:9, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God: Matthew 4:7
-Fear Him (God): Luke 12:5
-All men should honor the Son: John 5:22-23
YOUR DUTY TO GOD AND MAN:
-Render to Caesar the things that are his: Mark 12:17
-Swear not at all: Matthew 5:34-37; Mark 4:22
-What God hath joined, let not man put asunder: Matthew 19:5-6
-Agree with thine adversary quickly: Matthew 5:25
-Do not forbid others casting out devils: Mark 9:38-40
-Eat such things as are set before you: Luke 10:38
-Gather up the fragments that nothing be lost: John 6:12
YOUR DUTY TO YOUR NEIGHBOR:
-Love thy neighbor as thyself: Matthew 19:17-19
-Thou shalt do no murder: Matthew 19:18
-Thou shalt not commit adultery: Matthew 19:18
-Thou shalt not steal: Matthew 19:18
-Thou shalt not bear false witness: Matthew 19:18
-Honor thy father and thy mother: Matthew 19:19
-Do to others as you want them to do to you: Luke 6:31
WISDOM:
-Be wise as serpents, harmless as doves: Matthew 10:16
-Beware of men: Matthew 10:17
-Let (the blind leaders) alone: Matthew 15:12-14
-Give not that which is holy to dogs or swine: Matthew 7:6
-He that hath a purse, let him take it: Luke 22:35-36
-Inquire who is worthy and there abide: Matthew 10:11-13; Luke 10:5-7
-Shake off the dust from your feet when not received: Luke 9:5; 10:10-11
SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES:
-Search the Scriptures: John 5:39
-Remember the word that I said: John 15:20
-Let these sayings sink into your ears: Luke 9:44
-Take heed therefore how ye hear: Luke 8:18
-Take heed what ye hear: Mark 4:24
-Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees: Matthew 16:6-12
-Beware of false prophets: Matthew 7:15-17
LETTING YOUR LIGHT SHINE:
-Let your light shine: Matthew 5:16
-Make sure the light in you is not darkness: Luke 11:35
-Go and bring forth fruit: John 15:16
-Be ye therefore merciful: Luke 6:36
-Tell the great things the Lord hath done for thee: Mark 5:19
-Lift up your eyes, look on the fields: John 4:35
-Walk while ye have the light: John 12:35
THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST:
-Hold fast till I come: Revelation 2:25; 3:2-3
-Be ye ready: the Son of man cometh: Luke 12:40
-Let your loins be girded about, your lights burning: Luke 12:35-36
-Take heed…lest…your hearts be overcharged: Luke 21:34
-Remember Lot’s wife: Luke 17:31-32
-Take heed that ye be not deceived: Mark 13:5-6; Luke 21:8
-Watch: Mark 13:34-37
The Culture of the Kingdom: Kingdom Principles – Part I
Upon completion of this course you will be able to:
- Write the Key Verse from memory.
- Explain the importance of knowing Kingdom principles.
- Recognize basic principles governing life in the Kingdom of God.
- Identify the foundation upon which Kingdom principles are based.
- List two Kingdom laws upon which all other principles are based.
And I appoint you a Kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me. (Luke 22:29)
The Gospel of the Kingdom is an invitation for man to return to the realm of life God originally intended. But God does not set up a standard of morality and declare that when you have achieved it you can enter the Kingdom. There is one requirement for entrance: Repenting from sin which results in spiritual rebirth. Through repenting and accepting Jesus Christ as Savior you are born into the Kingdom and become a Kingdom resident.
Residency in the Kingdom of God requires a new lifestyle governed by the laws of the Kingdom. Life in the spiritual Kingdom affects the quality of life in the visible world. The lifestyle of the Kingdom is exactly opposite of the lifestyle of the kingdoms of the world. It is different in both structure and principles. When you enter the Kingdom of God it is like immigrating to a new country. You must learn a different culture.
In the natural world, “culture” is the behavior patterns which govern life in a given society. In this and the following chapter you will learn about the culture of the Kingdom of God. In a later chapter, additional truths about the Kingdom revealed through parables will be presented.
YOU MUST LIVE BY KINGDOM PRINCIPLES TO MAINTAIN RESIDENCY:
Although repentance is the only requirement for entrance to the Kingdom, there are definite requirements to maintain residency. Jesus said:
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in Heaven. (Matthew 7:21)
The will of the Father, revealed by Jesus Christ, was that believers be governed by the laws of the Kingdom.
JESUS SAID KINGDOM PRINCIPLES ARE IMPORTANT:
In Luke 12:22-31 Jesus taught that the Kingdom should be the primary concern of life. He
concluded with this statement:
But rather seek ye the Kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Luke 12:31)
If you seek the Kingdom first…its principles, its lifestyle, its Gospel…then all other necessary things in life will be provided.
FRUITS OF THE KINGDOM ARE THE TEST OF POSSESSION:
Jesus told the Jews that the test of possessing the Kingdom was bringing forth the fruits thereof. (Matthew 21:43).
The fruit of the Kingdom is that which is outwardly produced by the inward life flow, just as fruit on a natural tree is the outward product of the flow of life within. If you are a resident of the Kingdom of God it will be apparent in your visible lifestyle.
* Everything Jesus taught concerned the Gospel of the Kingdom. In another Harvestime International Institute course entitled “Teaching Tactics” the complete teachings of Jesus organized by subject matter are presented. Study of “Teaching Tactics” as a companion course to this one is suggested since this list is not repeated in this manual. The student may also study the teachings of Jesus by using a red letter edition of the Bible. This is a Bible which has everything Jesus taught printed in red ink, while the remainder of the text is printed in black ink.
TO REIGN IN THE FUTURE KINGDOM WE MUST KNOW ITS PRINCIPLES:
II Timothy 2:12 indicates that believers will reign with Jesus in the future Kingdom of God. To “reign” means to “rule with power and authority.” If you are to reign with Him, you must know the laws which govern the Kingdom.
A foundation in the natural world is the underlying structure on which something is built.
Whenever men erect a building they must first lay a proper foundation. The foundation supports
the superstructure or the visible building.
The foundation of the Kingdom of God and its governing principles is righteousness:
But unto the Son He saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever: a scepter
of righteousness is the scepter of thy Kingdom. (Hebrews 1:8)
A scepter is a rod or wand held in the hand as an emblem of power or authority. The authority or
power of the Kingdom of God is righteousness. It is not the righteousness of self-improvement or
religion. Jesus said:
For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the
righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the
Kingdom of Heaven. (Matthew 5:20)
The Scribes and Pharisees were religious leaders in the time of Christ’s earthly ministry. Their
spiritual experience was founded in their own attempts to be righteous. They had many rules,
regulations, and traditions which governed every area of life.
The righteousness upon which the Kingdom is built is the righteousness of God. We are told:
But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these
things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)
The foundation of God’s Kingdom stands on righteous men living righteous lives:
But the firm foundation laid by God stand sure and unshaken, being this seal
and inscription: The Lord knows those who are His and let everyone who
names himself by the name of the Lord give up all iniquity and stand aloof
from it. (II Timothy 2:19) Amplified Bible
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This is illustrated by the following diagram:
The Foundation Of God’s Kingdom ***
Righteous Men———–> The Lord knows those who are His
Living righteous lives—> Let everyone who names himself by
the name of the Lord give up all iniquity
and stand aloof from it
There are two levels of commitment to this righteousness. These are evident in the following
passage:
And behold, one came and said unto Him, Good Master, what good thing
shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
And He (Jesus) said unto him, Why callest thou me good? There is none
good but one, that is God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the
commandments.
The young man saith unto Him, All these things have I kept from my youth
up: what lack I yet?
Jesus said unto him, if thou wilt be perfect go and sell that thou hast, and give
to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow
me.
But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he
had great possessions. (Matthew 19:16-17; 20-22)
There is one level of righteousness necessary to “enter into life.” This is the righteousness that
comes through the new birth experience when man is cleansed from sin and begins to live by
God’s commandments. But there is another level of righteousness known as perfection (spiritual
maturity). To achieve perfection requires total consecration of worldly values, standards, or
possessions which are precious to you.
This does not mean we all have to sell what we own and give it to the poor. Jesus required this
of this man only because his riches were more important to him than God. Nothing in the world
can be more important to us than the King. To achieve perfection we must abandon the
principles of the world and embrace the principles of God’s Kingdom.
There are two great Kingdom principles upon which all other principles are based. When asked
what were the greatest commandments, Jesus replied:
…Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul,
and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
(Matthew 22:37-40)
Mark recorded the same statement in the following way:
And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O
Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy
soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first
commandment.
And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
There is none other commandment greater than these.
(Mark 12:29-31)
Jesus stated the second commandment in another way:
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye
even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets. (Matthew 7:12)
And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
(Luke 6:31)
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To summarize, the two greatest principles of God’s Kingdom are:
1. Loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
2. Loving and doing to others as you love yourself and want others to do to
you.
All other Kingdom principles are based upon these two key principles. Each Kingdom principle
relates either to your relationship with God or others.
From the time of the introduction of the Kingdom, it was apparent that its structure was exactly
opposite to the structure of the kingdoms of this world. After the angel appeared to the virgin
Mary and proclaimed her to be the mother of the coming King, Mary praised God. The words of
her worship were prophetic and revealed the new world order of the Kingdom of God:
For He that is mighty hath done to me great things: and holy is His name.
And His mercy is on them that fear Him from generation to generation.
He hath shewed strength with His arm; He hath scattered the proud in the
imagination of their hearts.
He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low
degree.
He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty
away. (Luke 1:49-53)
The proud and mighty of the world were to be brought down, and those of low degree exalted.
The hungry were to be filled, while the rich were to be sent away empty.
When John introduced the Kingdom of God, this same order was revealed:
Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought
low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be
made smooth;
And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. (Luke 3:5-6)
The first miracle Jesus performed was turning water into wine. This illustrated that laws
governing the Kingdom would be contrary to those of the natural kingdoms of the world.
common thinking of man and the accepted structure of earthly kingdoms. These principles
include:
A GENERAL PRINCIPLE:
Jesus established a basic Kingdom principle: “It shall not be so among you.”
But Jesus called them unto Him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the
Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise
authority upon them.
But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let
him be your minister;
And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant;
Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto but to minister, and
to give His life a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:25-28)
But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the
younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. (Luke 22:26)
But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you,
shall be your minister,
And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.
(Mark 10:43-44)
Although Jesus was dealing with a specific matter of leadership here, He also established a
general principle of the Kingdom: “It shall not be so among you.” Although worldly standards
and earthly kingdoms accept certain principles, the principles of God’s Kingdom are
different…”It shall not be so among you.”
THE PRINCIPLE OF UNITY:
There are many earthly kingdoms, all divided from one another. There are also divisions within
earthly kingdoms which result in coups and revolutions. God’s Kingdom is a united Kingdom.
It is described as one spiritual body with many parts:
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For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that
one body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ.
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or
Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into
one spirit.
For the body is not one member, but many. (I Corinthians 12:12-14)
The residents of God’s Kingdom are united together in God and Jesus:
That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they
also many be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one,
even as we are one:
I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the
world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast
loved me. (John 17:21-23)
God’s Kingdom has no relationships with the kingdom of Satan:
…Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every
city or house divided against itself shall not stand:
And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his
kingdom stand?
And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them
out? Therefore they shall be your judges.
But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God is come
unto you. (Matthew 12:25-28. See also Mark 3:23-26 and Luke 11:17-20)
One of the main purposes of unity in the Kingdom of God is the unlimited power it produces.
Jesus promised:
Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any
thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in
heaven.
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For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the
midst of them. (Matthew 18:19-20)
Because the residents of God’s Kingdom are still in fleshly bodies, division may arise from time
to time. Jesus gave instructions for handling such divisions in Matthew 18:15-35.
THE PRINCIPLE OF PENETRATION:
The Kingdom of God is to penetrate the world in two ways: As light and as salt:
Ye are the salt of the earth; but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith
shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and
to be trodden under foot of men.
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a
candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and
glorify your Father which is in Heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16)
No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither
under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the
light.
The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole
body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of
darkness.
Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.
If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole
shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee
light. (Luke 11:33-36)
Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be
seasoned?
It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out, He
that hath ears to hear, let him hear. (Luke 14:34-35)
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And He said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or
under a bed? And not to be set on a candlestick? (Mark 4:21)
Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltiness, wherewith will ye season
it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another. (Mark 9:50)
In the natural world, salt works silently. It is used to preserve food, heal wounds, and add flavor.
A little salt affects a great amount of food.
In the spiritual world, Kingdom residents are to penetrate the world as salt. They are to preserve
the values and quality of the Kingdom, be a healing balm to others, and like the flavor of life.
They are to spread the Kingdom steadily. As salt, they can affect a great mass of humanity. In
another passage, Jesus compared the penetration of the Kingdom to leaven (Matthew 13:33).
Like salt, a little leaven works silently to penetrate a great lump of bread.
In the natural world, light exposes darkness. It shows the way out of darkness. Light in darkness
cannot escape notice. The Kingdom resident is to be a spiritual light in the world. He is to
expose and show the way out of darkness. He is not to allow anything in his life (bushel) to
conceal the light of the Kingdom. Believers are to live the life of the Kingdom in a visible way,
steadily penetrating the kingdoms of the world with the Gospel of the Kingdom.
PRINCIPLES OF PRAYER:
Prayer in the Kingdom is based on three principles: Asking, seeking, and knocking:
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be
opened unto you:
For every one that asketh receiveth: and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him
that knocketh it shall be opened. (Matthew 7:7-8)
Each level of prayer speaks of greater intensity in seeking God.
Jesus also gave a model prayer for Kingdom residents. You can read it in Matthew 6:9-1. and
Luke 11:2-4.
PRINCIPLES OF WORSHIP:
The basic principles of worship in the Kingdom are described in Matthew 6:1-18. Read this
passage in your Bible. The basic principles of worship include:
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Giving: Outward look Matthew 6:1-4
Praying: Upward look Matthew 6:5-15
Fasting: Inward look Matthew 6:16-18
All three areas of worship are to be done in secret in order to be blessed of God.
THE PRINCIPLE OF SINGLENESS OF VISION:
The single vision of Kingdom residents is to seek first the Kingdom of God. Read Matthew
6:19-34 and compare it to Luke 12:22-34:
-Jesus speaks of singleness of heart in Matthew 6:19-21.
-He speaks of singleness of vision in Matthew 6:22-23.
-He speaks of singleness of devotion in Luke 16:13.
-He speaks of singleness of service in Matthew 6:24 and Luke 9:60 and 62.
-He speaks of singleness in thought in Matthew 6:25-32 and 34.
The following verse summarizes this principle of singleness of vision:
But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these
thing shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)
Summarize the Kingdom principles taught in the book of Luke:
1:33
4:43
6:20
7:28
8:1,10
9:2,11,27,60
10:9-11
11:2, 17-20
12:31-32
13:18-29
14:15
16:16
17:20-21
18:16-29
19:11-15
21:10,31
22:16-30
23:42, 50-51
The Culture Of The Kingdom: Kingdom Principles – Part II
Upon completion of this chapter, you will be able to:
- Write the Key Verse from memory.
- Identify contrasts of structure between the Kingdom of God and kingdoms of the world.
Hearken, my beloved brethren, hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the Kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him? (James 2:5)
In this chapter you will learn more about the culture of the Kingdom of God as you continue your study of Kingdom principles. You will learn specific principles of this spiritual Kingdom which rest on the general principles discussed in Chapter Seven.
Now let us study about specific principles of the Kingdom which rest on the general principles already discussed. Many of these contrasts are found in Matthew 5-7 and Luke 6. Read these chapters before you continue with your study.
These passages are part of the teachings of Jesus which have come to be known as the “Sermon On the Mount” because He first taught it on a mountainside in Israel. This sermon contains many specific Kingdom principles. The sermon does not cover every life situation, but the principles are representative. They establish a pattern for ethics and behavior applicable in all situations.
The first part of the sermon, Matthew 5:1-12 has come to be known as the “Beatitudes” and deals with basic Kingdom attitudes which are blessed by God. Those who are blessed do not hold the conventional values of society. The word “blessed” used in this passage means to be approved by God. There is a difference between being blessed and being happy. Being blessed depends on God and is unaffected by circumstances. Being happy depends on circumstances of
life.
Next are some of the specific contrasts in the culture of the Kingdom of God.
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. (Matthew 5:3)
The world honors those with material wealth. God chooses the poor of the world and makes them rich in faith:
Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the Kingdom which He hath promised to them that
love Him? (James 2:5)
And He lifted up his eyes on His disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the Kingdom of God. (Luke 6:20)
The world emphasizes the spirit of self reliance, self- expression, and self-improvement. But God approves those who are poor in spirit who realize they have no ability to save themselves, to satisfy their spiritual needs, or to solve their own problems.
But woe unto you that are rich! For you have received your consolation. (Luke 6:24)
There are two kinds of sorrow. The sorrow of the world is sorrow resulting from sin. It is a sorrow which comes through suffering the penalties of sin. But this sorrow does not result in a change in lifestyle. Godly sorrow is sorrow for sin. Godly sorrow results in repentance:
For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of; but the sorrow of the world worketh death. (I Corinthians 7:10)
God approves of such sorrow. He says those who experience it will receive comfort: Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted. (Matthew 5:4)
…Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. (Luke 6:21)
Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice; and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into
joy. (John 16:20)
In the Kingdom, those who mourn are comforted and sorrow brings joy. Joy is turned to sorrow for those in the kingdoms of the world:
…Woe unto you that laugh now! For ye shall mourn and weep. (Luke 6:25)
Meekness is not weakness or passiveness. To be meek means to be gentle in nature, not easily provoked, and to have a mild temperament. It is the opposite of worldly principles which advise “assert yourself, stand up for your rights.”
Meekness is not a natural quality of fleshly man. It is one of the spiritual fruits of the Kingdom:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Each of these qualities should be characteristic of Kingdom residents. They are spiritual fruit which are a result of the infilling of the Holy Spirit. (These are discussed in detail in another Harvestime International Institute course entitled “Ministry Of The Holy Spirit.”)
The world does not consider meek people as conquerors, but God promises the meek will inherit the earth:
Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5)
Men hunger after many things in the kingdoms of the world. They hunger after power, wealth, success, and happiness. Kingdom residents should not hunger for such material things. They should seek righteousness which is the basic principle of the Kingdom:
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled. (Matthew 5:6)
Blessed are ye that hunger now; for ye shall be filled… (Luke 6:21)
Some believers go from religious meeting to meeting seeking “blessings” from God. They are never satisfied spiritually. In this Kingdom principle, Jesus reveals that only those who hunger for righteousness will be spiritually filled.
When you are hungry in the natural world, you do not sit down and passively wait for food. You take action to satisfy your hunger by obtaining food and preparing a meal. In the spiritual world you cannot sit and passively wait for God to satisfy your spiritual hunger. You must actively seek spiritual food by communicating with God in prayer and studying His written Word.
The hungry are filled in the Kingdom of God. Those in the kingdoms of the world are left hungry:
Woe unto you that are full! For ye shall hunger…(Luke 6:25)
Worldly principles warn that if you are too merciful with others, they will abuse you. If you show too much kindness, they will take advantage of you. Kingdom principles teach the opposite. If you show mercy you will obtain mercy instead of abuse:
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. (Matthew 5:7)
The religious leaders of Jesus’ day stressed the outward keeping of law and tradition rather than inward heart attitudes. They observed the Sabbath strictly, fasted regularly, prayed openly, and gave alms to the poor.
But Jesus stressed the inward attitudes of the heart rather than the outward sacrifices. He said:
Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God. (Matthew 5:8)
It is not those with the outward signs of religion that will see God. It is those who are pure in heart.
Revolution is the method of change in the kingdoms of the world. Peacemakers are those who bring change in the Kingdom of God. Jesus said:
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. (Matthew 5:9)
Peace is not running away from problems or the absence of war and strife. The peace of which Jesus spoke is different from worldly peace:
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)
In the peace of the world there is fear. Will they keep the peace treaty? Will they abide by their promises? In God’s peace, there is no fear. He has promised to keep believers in perfect peace.
They can have the peace of God even while living in chaotic circumstances in the kingdoms of the world.
This Kingdom principle pronounces blessing on those who suffer for a specific reason:
For righteousness sake.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake; for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. (Matthew 5:10)
Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.
Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in Heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. (Luke 6:22-23)
Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! For so did their fathers to the false prophets. (Luke 6:26)
It is not a general blessing on all who suffer, because some people suffer for their own faults:
For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? But if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. (I Peter 2:20)
Sin is behind some suffering:
Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the Church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:14-16)
In the world, greatness is exalted. People are considered great if they are successful, famous, have great wealth or power. In the Kingdom of God, those who are great live and teach Kingdom principles. They may be considered the least in the kingdoms of the world, but they are greatest in the Kingdom of God:
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. (Matthew 5:19)
For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. (Luke 14:11)
And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. (Matthew 23:12)
The kingdoms of the world hold leaders in high esteem. They are honored and exalted. They are waited upon by servants and considered in a social class far above all others.
In the Kingdom of God, to lead you must become a servant:
But Jesus called them unto Him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant; even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:25-28)
But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. (Luke 22:26)
But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister, And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. (Mark 10:43-44)
But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. (Matthew 23:11)
Those who are first in the kingdoms of the world are last in God’s Kingdom:
But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first. (Matthew 19:30)
So the last shall be first and the first last… (Matthew 20:16)
And behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last. (Luke 13:30)
Jesus illustrated this principle by the natural examples of a mustard seed, leaven, and a widow’s mite:
…The Kingdom of Heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field; which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof…
…The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. (Matthew 13:31-33. See also Mark 4:30-32)
And He looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And He saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And He said, of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: for all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had. (Luke 21:1-4)
And He said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men: but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. (Luke 16:15)
In the Kingdom of God, adults must become as children. This means they must accept the Gospel of the Kingdom in the same way as a child: in simple faith.
At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?
And Jesus called a little child unto them and set him in the midst of them. And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. (Matthew 18:1-4)
But Jesus called them unto Him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the Kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein. (Luke 18:16-17)
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. (John 12:24)
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the Gospel’s, the same shall save it. (Mark 8:35)
He that findeth his life shall lose it; and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. (Matthew 10:39)
You lose your life by denying of worldly pleasures and standards in order to follow the King:
Then said Jesus unto His disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. (Matthew 16:24-25)
He that loveth his life shall lose it: and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. (John 12:25)
Give, and it shall be given unto you: good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. (Luke 6:38)
And He said, the things which are impossible with men are possible with God. (Luke 18:27)
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26)
And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. (Mark 10:27)
And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. (John 9:39)
Jesus came to give spiritual vision to those lost in spiritual darkness. Those who thought they had spiritual vision through religious tradition were actually blind.
A yoke is a piece of equipment used to pair up two animals to pull a plow. It speaks of labor. A burden is something that is carried. It is a weight. Jesus said: Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me: for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)
You find true rest by being yoked together with Jesus to carry His burden. His burden is that the Gospel of the Kingdom be extended to the nations of the world.
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)
Jesus compared those who emphasize earthly treasures to a fool: So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. (Luke 12:21)
He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory; but he that seeketh His glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. (John 7:18)
How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only. (John 5:44)
Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing; it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that He is your God. (John 8:54)
Jesus is peace. When He came to the world in fleshly form, peace was on earth. But Jesus brought division instead of peace to the kingdoms of the world. Families, cities, and kingdoms were divided because of Him. Some believed and accepted Him as King. They became residents of the Kingdom through spiritual rebirth. Others did not accept Jesus as King and did not become part of the Kingdom. This resulted in division:
Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: for from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. (Luke 12:51-53)
…And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. (Matthew 10:36)
…There is nothing covered that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.
What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light; and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. (Matthew 10:26-27)
…for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (Matthew 9:13)
For the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. (Romans 14:17)
For the Kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. (I Corinthians 4:20)
Two paths and two gates: Matthew 7:13-14
Two prophets: Matthew 7:15
Two trees: Matthew 7:17-20; Luke 6:43-44
Two claims: Matthew 7:21-23
Two houses: Matthew 7:24-27; Luke 6:46-49
To continue your study of the contrasts in the Kingdom of God review those listed in II Corinthians 6:8-10 and write them out in your notes.
The Culture Of The Kingdom: Kingdom Principles – Part III
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
- Write the Key Verse from memory.
- Describe the future resurrection of the dead.
- Distinguish between the resurrections of the just and the unjust.
- Explain how the death and resurrection of Jesus affected the destiny of the human soul.
For the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first; then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (I Thessalonians 4:16-17)
In the previous chapter the term “resurrection” was defined and three resurrections mentioned in the New Testament were identified. The past resurrection of Jesus and the present resurrection of the believer in Jesus were discussed in detail.
This chapter explains the future resurrection of all that are in the graves. The future resurrection actually will be two separate resurrections, one of the just and one of the unjust. This chapter also explains how the death and resurrection of Jesus affected the destiny of the human soul.
Since this chapter concerns future events, it deals with prophecy about the end of time and eternity. If you are not familiar with Bible prophecy then you should review the “For Further Study” section of this chapter. It provides a general outline of future events as revealed in God’s Word.
The Bible reveals two things about all human beings:
- All will experience the resurrection of the dead.
- All will experience eternal judgment.
Jesus said concerning the future resurrection:
Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation. (John 5:28-29)
The Apostle Paul also writes about this resurrection:
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. (I Corinthians 15:22)
Because of the original sin of Adam, death came upon all men. Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, all men will die physically and later be resurrected.
Those who never die will not need to be resurrected from the dead. Paul wrote:
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed.
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
For this corruptible must put on incorruption and this mortal must put on immortality. (I Corinthians 15:51-53)
When Paul says “we shall not ALL sleep” he means all true believers who are alive at the time of Christ’s return for His Church.
These believers will never experience death. They will be caught up to meet Jesus and be reunited with Christians resurrected from the grave.
There is much about the period between physical death and the resurrection that is not revealed in the Bible, but three things are clear:
- At the time of death there is a separation between the body and the spirit and soul. The physical body is put in the grave, but the soul and spirit live on in eternity.
- The spirits and souls of those who were righteous go to a different place than those who were wicked.
- The destiny of the righteous was different before and after the death of Jesus.
Jesus revealed what happens after death through the story of a beggar named Lazarus who laid at a rich man’s gate:
And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom; the rich man also died, and was buried;
And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torment, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and thou art tormented.
And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed; so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us that would come from thence. (Luke 16:22-26)
At death, the physical body returns to the earth:
…for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. (Genesis 3:19b)
The soul and spirit of man enters a new existence in eternity. There is still a personality, recognition of one person by another, and awareness of present conditions. The destiny of spirits of the righteous is different from that of spirits of the wicked. Both Lazarus and the rich man went to a place of departed spirits called in the Hebrew language “Sheol” and in the Greek language “Hades.” (Most of the Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew. The New Testament was written in Greek).
But the destinies of the two men were different. The rich man was in a place of torment called Hell. Lazarus was in a place of rest.
Between these two places there was a gulf that could not be crossed from either side.
If the gulf could not be crossed, then it means there is no hope to change the eternal destiny of the soul after death. Because of this, it is of no value to pray for the dead. The decision to accept or reject Jesus as Savior must be made during this life. It is this decision that determines the destiny of your soul.
The place of rest for departed spirits of the righteous was called “Abraham’s bosom.” This meant it was a place for those who followed the same faith of Abraham by serving the one true and living God.
The story of Lazarus and the rich man reveals what happened to departed souls before the death and resurrection of Jesus. After His resurrection the destiny of the souls of the wicked remained the same, but the destiny of righteous souls changed.
When Jesus died He said “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” His body was laid in a tomb but the destiny of His spirit was decided by God. The Bible reveals what happened to the spirit of Christ after death:
Now that He ascended, what is it but that He also descended first into the lower part of the earth?
He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fill all things. (Ephesians 4:9-10)
Before His death, Jesus told the dying thief who repented:
Today shall thou be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:43)
The spirit of Jesus descended into Sheol, the place of all departed spirits. First He went to the place of the spirits of the righteous. This was called “paradise” or “Abraham’s bosom.”
From paradise, Jesus went further into the area of Sheol reserved for the wicked spirits. This was necessary in order for Him to complete the work of atonement for man’s sin. He had to endure both the physical and spiritual penalties of sin. The physical penalty was physical death.
The spiritual penalty was separation from God which is called spiritual death. Jesus experienced that in Sheol.
Then the spirit of Jesus ascended from Sheol back to the world. At that time, His body which had been lying lifeless in the tomb, was raised up from death. His soul, spirit, and body were reunited to form a complete personality. As we learned in the last chapter, Jesus appeared in visible form to many on earth before He returned to Heaven.
The events between the death and resurrection of Jesus set a new pattern for the destiny of righteous souls. Prior to Christ’s resurrection, departed spirits of the righteous went to paradise. After the death and resurrection of Jesus, the spirits of the righteous could ascend immediately into the presence of God. This is confirmed in the record of the death of Stephen:
But he [Stephen], being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:55-56,59-60)
Moments before death, Stephen saw a vision of Jesus in Heaven at the right hand of God. His words, “Lord Jesus receive my spirit,” indicate he knew that immediately upon death his soul and spirit would go directly to Heaven.
The Apostle Paul also confirms this:
Therefore we are always confident, knowing that whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord…
We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. (II Corinthians 5:6,8)
Paul compared the value of death to that of remaining alive in order to fulfill his earthly ministry. He said that to be absent from the body is to be with Christ:
For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labor; yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better. Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. (Philippians 1:21-24)
In addition to the new destiny of the righteous dead, Jesus set another new pattern that will be followed by all men:
At death man’s spirit and soul will go to the realm of the departed spirits. The righteous will ascend to the presence of God. The wicked will go to a place of torment [hell].
At the time of resurrection, the body will be raised again from death and reunited with the spirit and soul.
The Apostle Paul describes the resurrection of the dead in three stages.
THE FIRST:
The first resurrection of the dead was that of Jesus:
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at His coming.
Then cometh the end, when He [Christ] shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when He shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. (I Corinthians 15:22-24)
The first resurrection was of Jesus. This is what is meant by the phrase “Christ the firstfruits.” There are two other resurrections of the dead which will occur in the future. These are the resurrection of the just and unjust:
And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. (Acts 24:15)
The Bible also calls these two resurrections the resurrection of life and the resurrection of damnation:
Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. (John 5:25,28-29)
THE SECOND:
The resurrection of life will happen when Jesus returns to earth for His Church. This event will resurrect from the dead all true believers in Jesus. This is called the resurrection of the just or the resurrection of life.
The resurrection of Jesus was the first stage… The resurrection of believers is the second stage…
THE THIRD:
The third stage of the resurrection of the dead is called “the end.” This resurrection occurs at the end of Christ’s earthly reign of 1000 years of peace. This resurrection is called the resurrection of the unjust or the “resurrection unto damnation.”
TO SUMMARIZE:
The following chart summarizes what you have learned about the three stages of the resurrection of the dead:
Resurrection Of The Dead
Stage One: Resurrection Of Jesus Christ
Stage Two: Resurrection Of The Just (Resurrection Of Life)
Stage Three: Resurrection Of The Unjust (Resurrection Of Damnation)
You have already studied the resurrection of Jesus. Now you will study the resurrections of the just and the unjust.
Paul said those in the second stage of the resurrection are “they that are Christ’s.” This means those who have repented from dead works and through faith accepted Jesus as Savior. Paul said that this resurrection of believers will happen at the time of Christ’s coming. The main New Testament passage describing this resurrection of life [the just] is found in Thessalonians:
But I would not have you to be ignorant brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him.
For this we say unto you by the Word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
For the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (I Thessalonians 4:13-18)
The purpose of Paul’s teaching is to comfort believers concerning other Christians who have died [“them which are asleep”]. His message provides assurance that all true believers will be resurrected.
When Jesus returns, two great events will occur on earth:
- All true believers who have previously died will be resurrected, given new bodies, and reunited with their own soul and spirit.
- All believers alive on earth at that moment will experience a quick change in their physical bodies.
Both those resurrected and those alive at the time of Christ’s coming will be raised by God’s power from the earth into the air. They will be reunited with the Lord and each other. From that time on, they will forever be with the Lord.
The book of Revelation provides an additional record of the resurrection of the righteous:
And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the Word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection… (Revelation 20:4-6)
The resurrection described in this passage is of believers who die as martyrs during the tribulation period. They are raised just before Christ’s Kingdom is established on earth. This passage reveals that the resurrection of the just, which is called the first resurrection, is complete after the raising of this last group of believers.
NEW BODIES FOR BELIEVERS
The Bible reveals some things about the new bodies believers will receive. The new body will be:
ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD:
But God giveth it a body, as it hath pleased Him, and to every seed his own body. (I Corinthians 15:38)
A GLORIOUS BODY:
It is sown [dies] in dishonor; it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. (I Corinthians 15:43)
A SPIRITUAL BODY:
It is sown a natural body [physical]; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. (I Corinthians 15:44)
A POWERFUL BODY:
It is sown in infirmity and weakness; it is resurrected in strength and endued with power. (I Corinthians 15:43b, The Amplified Bible)
AN IMMORTAL BODY:
This means the new body will never age, decay, or die:
…for the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. (I Corinthians 15:52-54)
A BODY LIKE THAT OF OUR RISEN LORD:
But now is Christ risen from the dead and become the firstfruits of them that slept. (I Corinthians 15:20)
Jesus arose from the dead first. His resurrection is compared to the first sheaf of a great harvest that will follow. This harvest is the raising of believers in the resurrection. Our resurrected bodies will be like the Lord’s:
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that when He shall appear, we shall be like Him: for we shall see Him as He is. (I John 3:2)
Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself. (Philippians 3:21)
The last resurrection is described by Paul in I Corinthians 15:24. He calls it “the end.” This is the resurrection of the unjust. When Jesus completes His earthly Millennial reign of 1000 years, God will defeat all His enemies. The last of these enemies to be conquered will be death. This will complete God’s plan for the world:
Having made known unto us the mystery [or secret] of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself:
That in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in Heaven, and which are on earth… (Ephesians 1:9-10)
Revelation chapter 20 reveals how the resurrection of the unjust relates to other parts of God’s plan. In this chapter, the Apostle John describes Satan’s final attempt to take the authority of God. This happens at the end of Christ’s Millennial reign:
And when the thousand years are over Satan will be loosed…
And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth… to gather them together to battle, the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
And they went upon the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of Heaven, and devoured them.
And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake fire and brimstone…and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (Revelation 20:7-10)
During the Millennium reign, Jerusalem will be the center of Christ’s rule over the nations of earth. Satan will be a prisoner during this time. At the end of the Millennium, Satan will be freed long enough to stage a final rebellion among the Gentile nations. This will result in an attempt to attack Jerusalem. God will intervene with fire from Heaven and the rebellion will be defeated. Satan will be cast into the lake of eternal fire to be tormented forever.
THE END AND ETERNITY
John describes the final resurrection of all the remaining dead:
And I saw a great white throne, and Him that sat on it from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God: and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and Hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
And death and Hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:11-15)
TO SUMMARIZE…
All true believers who have died will be raised from the grave before the 1000 Millennium year reign of Christ. This is the first resurrection. It is the resurrection of the just to eternal life.
The majority of those resurrected at the close of the Millennium will be the unrighteous dead. This is the resurrection of the unjust to damnation.
The Bible tells of another great event which will happen after these resurrections. This event is known as eternal judgment and is the subject of study of the next chapter.
After judgment, the destiny of the unrighteous is the lake of fire which is called in the Bible “the second death.” The wicked already experienced physical death. Now they will experience the second death of eternal separation from God. This is spiritual death or the “second death.”
The destiny of the righteous is eternity in the presence of God.
The doctrine of the resurrection is a foundational truth of the Christian faith. The message of the Gospel not only includes the life and death of Jesus Christ, but also the message of His resurrection.
The apostles preached both the resurrection of Jesus and the resurrection of the dead:
…They [Peter and John] taught the people and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. (Acts 4:2)
…He [Paul] preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection…And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked; and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. (Acts 17:18,32)
These verses illustrate two different responses of people to the message of the resurrection. Some will not believe it. Others will listen to the message. Our responsibility as believers is to share the resurrection message as part of the Gospel. This is what Paul did:
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also we have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved…
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures;
And that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures;
And that He was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve;
After that He was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
After that He was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
And last of all He was seen of me also… (I Corinthians 15:1-8)
The preaching of the Gospel is incomplete without the doctrine of the resurrection:
And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain…If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. (I Corinthians 15:14,19-22)
The doctrine of the resurrection of the dead which you have studied and the doctrine of eternal judgment which you will study in the next chapter both concern future events. Future events are foretold in the Word of God. Although these events have not happened yet, God has provided knowledge of His future plans through prophecy.
There is much about future events which is not revealed in God’s Word. That which is revealed has been interpreted several different ways by students of the Bible. It is not necessary to understand all the various interpretations of Bible prophecy given by men. Most of these interpretations center on the exact timing of certain prophetic events or specific details of these events.
What is important to foundations of the Christian faith is a general understanding of what the Bible says will happen.
The following outlines these important events:
I. The Bible teaches that the Lord will return to earth for believers. Jesus promised His followers:
…I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:2-3)
A. The Rapture: I Thessalonians 4:13-18 gives the most detail about Christ’s return for believers. This return is called the rapture:
- Christ Himself will return. (Verse 16)
- There will be a resurrection from the grave of those who were believers when they died. (Verse 16)
- There will be a rapture, which means “the act of taking a person from one place to another.” Living believers will be taken from earth to meet Christ. (Verse 17)
- There will be a reunion between believers who have previously died, believers living at the time of Christ’s return, and their Lord Jesus Christ. (Verse 17)
B. The Tribulation: The Bible tells of a terrible time on earth which is called the tribulation.
- The tribulation will last for 42 months or 1,260 days (Daniel 9:24- 27).
- It will be a very difficult time. There have been many difficult times in the world, but three things will distinguish the tribulation from all other times of trouble.
a. First, it will be worldwide and not just local. (Revelation 3:10)
b. Second, people will realize the end of the world is near. (Revelation 6:16)
c. Third, the intensity of the trouble will be greater than ever before experienced. (Matthew 24:4-14) - Its description: There are a series of judgments of God on the earth during the tribulation. These are described in Revelation chapters 6, 8-9, and 16 and Matthew 24:4-14.
- The reason for the tribulation: The wickedness of man must be punished, Satan defeated, and Jesus acknowledged as Lord of all. This completes God’s plan of the ages spoken of in Ephesians 1:8-9.
C. The Timing Of The Rapture:
Some people believe the rapture will occur before the tribulation and that believers will not have to experience any of this terrible time on earth. Others believe the rapture will happen midway through this period. Still others believe the rapture will happen at the end of the tribulation.
The most common interpretation is that the rapture of believers will happen before the tribulation period begins. The different views of the timing of the rapture result from various interpretations of the prophetic information given in Scripture. What is most important is to know you are a true believer and will be ready to go with Jesus in the rapture when it does occur.
D. The Millennium:
The Millennium is a period of 1,000 years after the tribulation during which Jesus will rule the earth in righteousness (Zechariah 14:9; Daniel 7:14). The city
of Jerusalem will be the center of government (Isaiah 2:3). This period will end when Satan stages a last revolt against God (Revelation 20:7-9). God will send fire from Heaven and end all opposition. Satan will be cast into the lake of fire for eternity (Revelation 20:10).
E. Judgment:
All created beings will be judged by God. This is known as the time of eternal judgment. It is the last of the foundational principles of Hebrews 6:1-3 and is discussed in the following chapter. Those who died as unbelievers will be resurrected to face judgment. Because they did not repent from sin and accept Jesus as Savior they will be condemned to eternity in Hell (Revelation 20:12-15). True believers who repented from sin and accepted Jesus as Savior will spend eternity in Heaven in the presence of God (Revelation 21).
Kingdom Parables
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
- Write the Key Verse from memory.
- Define the word “judgment.”
- Explain why judgment is necessary.
- Identify who will judge at the final judgment.
- Identify who will be judged in the final judgment.
- Explain the principles governing final judgment.
For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king. (Isaiah 33:22)
Eternal judgment is the last of the six foundation principles of the Christian faith.
In the Old Testament the word “judgment” is used two ways. One refers to the statutes, testimonies, and laws of God. The other concerns God’s judgment on men and nations. The latter meaning is how the word “judgment” is used in the New Testament. It is this meaning that is used in this chapter.
The word “to judge” means to separate or make a difference between. This includes bringing to trial, examining evidence, determining guilt or innocence, and deciding the penalty for sin. Eternal judgment is the great and final judgment spoken of in the Bible which determines the eternal destiny of all souls.
GOD IS THE JUDGE:
For the Lord is our judge. (Isaiah 32:22)
…God the judge of all… (Hebrews 12:23)
God judges the sinful behavior of mankind. God’s real desire is not judgment but that all men come to the knowledge of Jesus Christ:
For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:17)
The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (II Peter 3:9)
God’s desire is that all men everywhere repent. If they do not repent of sin they will experience His judgment:
And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent; because He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness… (Acts 17:30-31)
JESUS CHRIST:
God has given Jesus authority to judge:
…for He has given all judgment–the last judgment and the whole business of judging–entirely into the hands of the Son… And He has given Him authority and granted Him power to execute [exercise, practice] judgment, because He is a Son of man [very man]. (John 5:22,27, The Amplified Bible)
THE SAINTS:
In the final judgment true believers will help judge the world:
Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that ye shall judge angels?… (I Corinthians 6:2-3)
The word “saints” in this verse means all true believers. They will help judge the “world” [the unrighteous].
THE STANDARD OF JUDGMENT:
The standard by which we all will be judged is the Word of God:
And if any man hear my words and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. (John 12:47-48)
It is not the standards, creeds, or traditions of man by which we will be judged. It is not on the basis of organizational or denominational rules. The standard by which we will be judged is the fixed standard of the Word of God:
Forever, O Lord, Thy Word is settled in heaven. (Psalms 119:89)
The Bible reveals judgment is necessary because of sin against God’s law, ungodliness, unrighteousness, unbelief, trespasses, and evil deeds. Although these are different words, they are all words for sin:
SIN AGAINST GOD’S LAW:
For…as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law. (Romans 2:12)
UNGODLINESS:
But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. (II Peter 3:7)
To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him. (Jude 15)
UNRIGHTEOUSNESS:
The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished. (II Peter 2:9)
UNBELIEF:
He that believeth on Him is not condemned; but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:18)
TRESPASS:
By the offence [trespass] of one, judgment came upon all men to condemnation… (Romans 5:18, The Amplified Bible)
EVIL DEEDS:
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (John 3:19)
Worldly principles of judgment vary from nation to nation. The standards may vary from state to state within a nation and from city to city. Worldly principles of judgment and punishment vary because people interpret certain acts in different ways. The same act interpreted as wrong in one culture may be acceptable in another. For example, killing of a cow is viewed quite differently in America, where it is used for meat, than in India where the cow is considered sacred by some people.
The judgment of man varies because the standards by which they judge vary. But the principles of God’s judgment do not change. God judges…
ON THE BASIS OF THE WORD OF GOD:
God’s law and the principles of judgment are fixed in His Word:
Forever, O Lord, Thy Word is settled in Heaven. (Psalms 119:89)
ACCORDING TO KNOWLEDGE:
Men and nations will be judged according to the knowledge of God which was given them. Jesus said some would be judged more severely than the cities of Sodom, Gomorrha, Ninevah, Tyre, and Sidon. These were evil cities mentioned in the Old Testament which God judged and punished.
The reason Jesus pronounced more severe judgment on some New Testament cities was because these cities had more knowledge of God. Jesus Himself had ministered in these cities and performed mighty works of healing and deliverance. Still, the people of these cities would not repent. Jesus warned:
Woe unto thee, Chorazin, woe unto thee Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment than for you.
And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to Hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.
But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom, in the day of judgment, than for thee. (Matthew 11:21-24)
The men of Ninevah shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and behold, a greater than Jonas is here. (Matthew 12:41)
A general revelation of God is given to all men through the wonders of creation:
For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that we are without excuse. (Romans 1:20)
This general understanding of God given to all men through creation is the basic standard by which men will be judged. Those who receive additional revelation by hearing God’s Word will be judged by a higher standard of knowledge.
INDIVIDUALLY:
Each person will be judged individually:
The soul that sinneth it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. (Ezekiel 18:20)
Judgment determining individual eternal destiny will not be on a group basis. It will be on an individual basis.
ACCORDING TO TRUTH:
Paul wrote:
…But we are sure the judgment of God is according to truth… (Romans 2:2)
ON THE BASIS OF PERSONAL CONDUCT:
Each of us will stand before the judgment seat of Christ and will be judged according to our deeds. The Bible also calls this judgment according to ” works”:
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in this body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (II Corinthians 5:10)
…Who will render every man according to his deeds. (Romans 2:6)
…the Father…judgeth according to every man’s work. (I Peter 1:17)
…the dead were judged out of these things which were written in the books, according to their works. (Revelation 20:12)
God’s record of man’s “works” covers not only actions but also thoughts and motives. God looks on the heart, not just on the outward appearance. (I Samuel 16:7)
WITHOUT PARTIALITY:
The eternal judgment will be without partiality. This means without special favor. People will not be judged on the basis of their wealth, social position, nationality, or education.
…the Father…without respect of persons judgeth. (I Peter 1:17)
To have respect of persons means to be influenced in judgment by some external factor of appearance, relationship, position, wealth, etc.
God’s judgment is not influenced by any of these things:
…for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. (I Samuel 16:7)
ACCORDING TO THE LAW:
…as many as have sinned under the law shall be judged by the law. (Romans 2:12)
ACCORDING TO RIGHTEOUSNESS:
And He shall judge the world in righteousness; He shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness. (Psalms 9:8)
…He shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with His truth. (Psalms 96:13)
…He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness. (Acts 17:31)
…the righteous judgment of God. (Romans 2:5)
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing. (II Timothy 4:8)
ACCORDING TO MOTIVES AND THOUGHTS:
Therefore judge nothing before the time; until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsel of the hearts… (I Corinthians 4:5)
In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. (Romans 2:16)
The Bible indicates there is a past, present, and future judgment:
PAST JUDGMENT:
The Bible is a history of God’s past judgment. From the time of Adam and Eve it records God’s judgment of nations and individuals.
The Bible records two special past judgments that are important to believers. These are the judgments of Satan and the world. God has already passed judgment and set the penalties for both.
-Satan And His Angels:
Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God passed final judgment on Satan:
…the prince of this world [Satan] is judged. (John 16:11)
And having spoiled principalities and powers [the forces of Satan] He [Jesus] made a show of them openly triumphing over them in it. (Colossians 2:15)
Satan has already been judged by God. He is allowed limited activity until he is cast into the lake of fire at the end of the world but he is already condemned as guilty. Satan’s angels, who left their original position in Heaven as angels of God to join him in rebellion, are also already condemned:
And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, He hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. (Jude 6)
-The World:
Jesus said:
Now is the judgment of this world… (John 12:31)
Because it is ruined by the presence of sin, the physical world is already condemned by God’s judgment. The Bible says the world will be destroyed by fire:
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. (II Peter 3:10)
PRESENT JUDGMENT:
There is a present judgment that goes on continuously. All men are presently judged as sinful or righteous before God. The present judgment of man is on the basis of whether or not he has accepted Jesus Christ as Savior:
He that believeth on Him is not condemned; but He that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:18)
God’s present judgment on unbelievers is by showing His wrath because they hinder the truth:
For God’s [holy] wrath and indignation are revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who in their wickedness repress and hinder the truth… (Romans 1:18, The Amplified Bible)
God’s present judgment of believers is in love. He corrects them when they do wrong:
...My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of Him;
For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth…
But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards and not sons. (Hebrews 12:5,6,8)
Just as a natural father corrects his children, God judges the behavior of His children. If they sin, God corrects them in love just as a father does his son. God’s chastisement [correction] of His children is for a specific purpose:
Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous; nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. (Hebrews 12:11)
FUTURE JUDGMENT:
It is the future judgment to which Paul refers in Hebrews 6 when he speaks of “eternal judgment.” Eternal judgment happens after death:
It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. (Hebrews 9:27)
As you learned in previous lessons, after a person dies it is immediately determined whether or not he enters the presence of God. The destinies of the righteous and the unrighteous are different after death. But the final judgment confirming their eternal destinies occurs after the end of the world and the resurrection:
I charge thee therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His Kingdom. (II Timothy 4:1)
…Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment upon all… (Jude 14,15)
There are three locations where final judgment will occur:
THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST:
Those judged here will be all true believers:
…We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. (Romans 14:10)
…For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ. (II Corinthians 5:10)
THE THRONE OF HIS GLORY:
The second place of judgment is called “the throne of Christ’s glory.” Those judged here will be those who remained on the earth during the tribulation period. The righteous will be resurrected and judged prior to Jesus setting up the Millennial Kingdom on earth.
And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them; and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the Word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. (Revelation 20:4-5a)
THE GREAT WHITE THRONE:
The final place of judgment is called the “great white throne.” Those judged here are the remaining dead who will be resurrected at the close of the Millennium. (This is the second resurrection called the resurrection of the unjust.)
The Great White Throne judgment is recorded in Revelation 20:11-15. The unrighteous will be judged and because of their sin cast into a lake of fire along with Satan and his angels.
There will be only two basic divisions of people who are tried in the final judgments: Believers and unbelievers.
BELIEVERS:
Believers will be judged for their works and rewarded accordingly. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. (Romans 14:12)
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every man may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (II Corinthians 5:10)
Believers will be judged by how they have built their lives on the foundation of God’s Word:
Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; every man’s work shall be made manifest; for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved… (I Corinthians 3:12-15)
In the natural world, wood, hay, and stubble all grow visibly above the ground. They burn easily. They are examples of works done by believers to be seen by man. The motive for these works was wrong.
Gold and silver are not destroyed by fire. In the natural world, these substances develop below the ground unseen by man. They are an example of works done with the right motive, not done just to be seen and praised by man. They are works which are valuable in God’s Kingdom because they were done with the right motive.
The works of true believers will be judged on the basis of obedience. The parables of the talents in Matthew 25 and the parable of the pounds in Luke 19 were told by Jesus to illustrate this truth.
In both these parables, servants were judged on the basis of what they had done with what they had been given. They were told to invest funds for their masters. Servants who were disobedient were judged unfaithful.
Just like these parables, our Master has given us a responsibility. That responsibility is known as the Great Commission:
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. (Matthew 28:19-20)
We are to take what God has given us, the message of the Gospel, and reproduce it by sharing it with others throughout the world. As we obey this commission, we are investing what God has given us and increasing it.
Some believers have greater responsibilities than others in this commission. Some are called as pastors, evangelists, teachers, etc. But every born-again believer has some responsibility in reaching the world with the Gospel.
Believers will be judged on the basis of their faithfulness to the responsibility God has given them:
Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. (I Corinthians 4:2)
Believers will not be judged on the basis of abilities, education, or spiritual gifts. They will be judged on the basis of obedience and faithfulness to what God has given them to do. The judgment of true believers is not one of condemnation. That is, the true believer cannot be condemned to eternal punishment. Through accepting Christ, he already has passed from spiritual death to eternal life:
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on Him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life. (John 5:24)
A true believer is one who has repented from sin and shown faith toward God by accepting Jesus Christ as personal Savior. He is one who has become and lived as a new creature in Jesus Christ. Paul confirmed:
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:1)
When a sinner comes to Jesus his record of former sins is erased by God. When a believer sins, he needs only to repent and confess his sin and God erases it from the record:
If we confess our sins, He [God] is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:9)
UNBELIEVERS:
The unrighteous will be judged and punished for sin. God keeps a record called the “book of life” in which is listed the names of those who have repented, accepted Jesus Christ, and become true believers. Those who have rejected Him will be judged for sin and doomed to eternal punishment. Their names are not in the book of life:
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:15)
It is important to understand that you must live as a new creature in Jesus after conversion. possible to be saved and then because of continuing in sin to “backslide” into the old life. Bible confirms that it is possible to have your name written in the book of life but then have it blotted out because of sin:
And the Lord said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book. (Exodus 32:33)
This is why learning to live a holy life is so important. (We will discuss this in the final chapter on perfection). By overcoming sin in your life, you can be assured God will not blot your name out of the book of life:
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life… (Revelation 3:5)
The righteous are destined to eternal life in the presence of God. The presence of God is called Heaven. In the Bible it is described by several names:
THE FATHER’S HOUSE:
Jesus described it as His Father’s house, a place of home, rest, and fellowship:
In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (John 14:2)
A HEAVENLY COUNTRY:
The Bible compares Heaven to a country to which we are traveling just as Israel traveled to the Promised Land:
But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly; wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He hath prepared for them a city. (Hebrews 11:16)
A CITY:
Heaven is compared to a city:
And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of Heaven… (Revelation 21:2)
The Bible reveals some wonderful things about Heaven. It is a place of:
HOLINESS:
And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie; but they which are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. (Revelation 21:27)
JOY:
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there by any more pain; for the former things are passed away. (Revelation 21:4)
BEAUTY:
And the building of the wall of it was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. (Revelation 21:18)
SERVICE:
Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple; and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. (Revelation 7:15)
REIGNING WITH CHRIST:
Jesus promised…
To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in His throne. (Revelation 3:21)
WORSHIP:
The Bible records that those in Heaven…
…fell down and worshipped Him that liveth for ever and ever. (Revelation 5:14)
LIGHT AND GLORY:
And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon to shine in it: For the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. (Revelation 21:23)
A PLACE OF NEW PERSPECTIVE:
Being in Heaven will give us a new perspective on everything:
For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. (Isaiah 65:17)
THE DWELLING PLACE OF GOD:
And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them and be their God. (Revelation 21:3)
Hell is the eternal destiny of the wicked. Hell is a place of:
EXTREME SUFFERING:
And the Devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (Revelation 20:10)
MEMORY AND REMORSE:
And in Hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom…
But Abraham said, Son remember that thou in thy lifetime receivest thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. (Luke 16:23,25)
UNSATISFIED DESIRE:
And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water; and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. (Luke 16:24)
CONTEMPT:
And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. (Daniel 12:2)
WICKED COMPANIONSHIP:
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death. (Revelation 21:8)
HOPELESSNESS:
When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth. (Proverbs 11:7)
ETERNAL PUNISHMENT:
Hell was originally prepared for Satan and his angels. Because of sin, man is also destined for eternity in Hell unless He is redeemed by Jesus Christ:
Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the Devil and his angels. (Matthew 25:41)
Punishment for the wicked is eternal. The same word that is used for eternal life in the Bible (John 3:15) and the eternal God (I Timothy 1:17) is used to describe eternal judgment (Hebrews 6:2). If one of these is temporary, then the other two would have to be temporary.
There is no way to escape the conclusion that if God is everlasting and eternal life is everlasting, then so is punishment in Hell. God does not send people to Hell. Man chooses to go there by rejecting Jesus Christ and living a sinful life. God has provided a way of escape from eternal punishment through the plan of salvation. He is not willing that any should perish.
How should the doctrine of eternal judgment affect our lives as believers?
When writing on the subject of future judgment, the Apostle Peter answered this question:
Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness…
Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, blameless. (II Peter 3:11,14)
Understanding of eternal judgment should result in spiritual maturity in the life of the believer.
The subject of Christian maturity, which Paul calls “going on to perfection,” is the subject of next chapter.
This chapter has introduced the subject of judgment as it is taught in the Bible. To expand knowledge of this subject continue your study of judgment by using the following outline:
JUDGMENT IS AN ATTRIBUTE (QUALITY) OF GOD
- Psalms 89:14; 97:2; 99:1-5;
- Isaiah 28:5-6; 30:18; 61:8;
- Daniel 4:37
JUDGMENT IS AN ATTRIBUTE OF JESUS
- Psalms 72:2;
- Isaiah 9:7; 11:1-5;
- John 5:30; 8:15-16,26
PURPOSES OF GOD’S JUDGMENT
To give life:
- Leviticus 18:4-5;
- Nehemiah 9:29;
- Psalms 119:149,156
To redeem His people:
- Exodus 6:6; 7:4;
- Isaiah 1:27
To establish:
- I Chronicles 28:7;
- Psalms 37:28;
- Proverbs 2:8;
- Zephaniah 2:3
To chasten [correct]:
- Psalms 119:75;
- Jeremiah 10:24;
- Habakkuk 1:12
To help His people:
- Psalms 76:8-9; 119:175
THE BLESSINGS OF GOD’S JUDGMENT
Comfort:
- Psalms 119:52
- Reward:
- Psalms 58:11
Instruction and righteousness:
- Isaiah 26:8-9
PENALTIES FOR NOT RESPONDING TO HIS JUDGMENT
These are listed in:
- Ezekiel 5:6-17; 11:11-12; 14:21;
- Malachi 2:1-4; 3:1-6
THE NATURE OF GOD’S JUDGMENTS
Righteous:
- Deuteronomy 4:8;
- Psalms 19:9; 119:137;
- Jeremiah 11:20;
- II Thessalonians 1:4-6;
- I Peter 2:23;
- Revelation 15:4; 16:7; 19:2,11
Based on love:
- Psalms 33:5
True and just:
- Psalms 111:7;
- Proverbs 2:9;
- Jeremiah 4:2;
- John 8:15-16
Far above the wicked:
- Psalms 10:5
Eternal:
- Psalms 119:160
Great:
- Psalms 36:6
Renewed:
- Zephaniah 3:15
Unsearchable:
- Romans 11:33
They will be made manifest [apparent to us]:
- Revelation 15:4
WHO GOD JUDGES
All people:
- Psalms 7:8; 9:7-8; 96:10;
- Hebrews 12:23;
- Jude 15-16
Those who persecute the righteous:
- Psalms 119:84
The righteous:
- Psalms 7:11
Scorners:
- Proverbs 19:29
Every man:
- Proverbs 29:26
Young men:
- Ecclesiastes 11:9
Nations:
- Isaiah 2:4
Leaders:
- Isaiah 3:13-14
The wicked:
- Deuteronomy 7:10-11;
- Jeremiah 1:16;
- Hebrews 13:4;
- Jude 15-16
The world:
- John 9:39; 12:31
The prince of this world [Satan]:
- John 16:11; 12:31
Those outside the church [those without]:
- I Corinthians 5:13
His people:
- Hebrews 10:30
Teachers:
- James 3:1
Grudgers:
- James 5:9
The church [the house of God]:
- I Peter 4:17
The heathen:
- Ezekiel 39:21
HOW GOD JUDGES
Through Jesus Christ:
- John 5:22,27
By the Holy Spirit:
- John 16:11;
- Ezekiel 36:27
According to the Word of God:
- John 12:48
According to each man’s works:
- I Peter 1:17
Through His ministers:
- Ezekiel 44:24;
- Hosea 6:5
OUR ATTITUDE TOWARDS GOD’S JUDGMENTS
We should:
Teach them:
- Ezra 7:10;
- Psalms 37:30
Observe and do them:
- Deuteronomy 11:32
Praise God for them:
- Psalms 48:11; 97:8; 119:7,62,164
Desire them:
- Psalms 119:20
Set them before us:
- Psalms 119:30
Hope in them:
- Psalms 119:43
Declare them:
- Psalms 119:13
Not depart from them:
- Psalms 119:102
Fear them:
- Psalms 119:120
Be aware of them:
- Psalms 35:23
Ask God to judge us:
- Psalms 35:24
Preach His judgments:
- Acts 24:25
THE PURPOSES OF GOD’S PRESENT JUDGMENT
His purposes for chastening of believers are to:
Make us holy:
- Hebrews 12:10
Bring righteousness in our lives:
- Hebrews 12:11
Bring life:
- Hebrews 12:9;
- Proverbs 15:31
Prepare us for the Spirit’s guidance:
- Proverbs 1:23
Bring honor:
- Proverbs 13:18
Bring wisdom:
- Proverbs 15:5,32
Teach the fear of God:
- Proverbs 15:33
Perfect us:
- Colossians 1:28;
- II Timothy 3:16-17
Teach us patience:
- I Peter 2:20
Avoid condemnation:
- I Corinthians 11:32
Bring repentance:
- Revelation 3:19;
- Romans 2:4
Correct us:
- Jeremiah 10:24
THE REASONS FOR CHASTENING
Sin and backsliding:
- Jeremiah 2:19;
- John 3:20; 16:8;
- II Peter 2:16
Faults:
- I Peter 2:20
Unbelief:
- Romans 11:20
Disobedience:
- Luke 12:47-48
Respect of persons:
- Job 13:10
HOW TO AVOID CHASTISEMENT
- I Corinthians 11:31-32 [self-examination];
- Romans 11:22;
- Philippians 2:12-16
THE DEGREES OF CHASTENING:
God has a pattern of chastening in our lives. It moves from reproof, which is a simple form of chastening, through more severe levels of chastening (Hebrews 12:11).
REPROOF:
To correct a fault, make a statement of error, give instruction or correction. God speaks to us and reproves us of wrong in our lives.
- Isaiah 11:4;
- Psalms 50:21; 141:5;
- Proverbs 1:23;
- Ephesians 5:13;
- II Timothy 3:16.
REBUKE:
A sharp reproof or reprimand. If we fail to listen to reproof, God will deal more sternly.
- Hebrews 12:5;
- Revelation 3:19;
- Psalms 6:1;
- Deuteronomy 28:20.
WRATH:
After we are rebuked if we persist in our sinful ways and refuse God’s correction, then His wrath may come upon us. (Romans 2:8-9.)
AFFLICTION:
God’s wrath may be revealed through affliction. It may be financial, material, or physical affliction. (This does not mean all affliction is judgment from God.)
- Romans 2:9,
- Psalms 119:75;
- Deuteronomy 28:15-47;
- Leviticus 26:14-39;
- Amos 4:6-13
REJECTION:
This is the final step of God’s judgment when chastisement has failed to result in repentance.
- Hebrews 6:4-6; 10:26-31;
- Jeremiah 14:11-12;
- II Peter 2:20;
- I John 5:16;
- Proverbs 1:25-32; 5:1-23; 15:10; 29:1
THE RESULTS OF CHASTENING
God’s objective in chastening is that we return unto Him:
- Hosea 6:1
Ambassadors Of The Kingdom
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
- Write the Key Verse from memory.
- Define “perfection.”
- Identify the example of perfection for believers.
- Name the standard of perfection for believers.
- Distinguish between initial and progressive perfection.
- List factors involved in the perfection process.
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in Heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:48)
Just as a good foundation is important to a building in the natural world, a good spiritual foundation is important for the believer.
Through the parable of the two builders you learned that your spiritual foundation must be built on the Word of God.
Hebrews 6:1-3 reveals that the foundations of the Christian faith are:
- Repentance from dead works
- Faith toward God
- Doctrine of baptisms
- Laying on of hands
- Resurrection of the dead
- Eternal judgment
- These are basic doctrines of the Word of God on which you are to build your spiritual life. You studied each of these in previous chapters.
In Hebrews 6:1-3 Paul gives an additional step which is necessary in building your spiritual life:
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection. (Hebrews 6:1)
Repentance from dead works, faith toward God, baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment are all principles of the doctrine of Christ.
Two extremes are common among believers. One is that they have a knowledge of the Word of God but do not apply that knowledge to daily living. The other extreme is that believers emphasize experience and ignore doctrine. Both doctrine and experience are important. A proper understanding of doctrine results in experience. But experience that is not based on Biblical doctrine is not trustworthy.
You must not only understand the basic doctrines of Hebrews 6:1-3 but you must also experience them. Once you have built your life on these doctrines through experience, you must learn how to “go on unto perfection.” That is the purpose of this chapter.
The word “perfection” means complete, finished, and mature. The Bible uses the word “perfection” rather than “maturity” to describe a spiritually mature believer. A “perfect” Christian is one who has achieved spiritual maturity. This means his body, soul, and spirit are under the control of the Holy Spirit.
The word “perfection” is similar to the word “sanctification” or “consecration” which are also used in the Bible. “Sanctification” means holiness and “consecration” means to be set apart in righteousness.
There are two dangers if spiritual foundations are emphasized without attention to perfection:
- One danger is to lay a good spiritual foundation and not go on to spiritual maturity.
- The other danger is to attempt to build a “superstructure” of perfection on a faulty spiritual foundation.
A foundation is not a completed building. A superstructure must be built on the foundation. A superstructure is that part of a building which is visible above the foundation. A good spiritual foundation is not the final goal for a believer:
Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, saying, “This man began to build, and was not able to finish.” (Luke 14:29-30)
Many people begin with God. They hear the Gospel, repent from dead works, and have faith toward God, but they never progress beyond this point. They never complete their spiritual foundation and go on to perfection.
A partial foundation in the natural world is not functional. You cannot construct a building on a partial foundation or it will collapse under stress. You must complete the foundation and then construct the building.
Believers who have not completed their spiritual foundations will have difficulty under stress. They will live “up and down” lives spiritually. Their spiritual building will not weather the storms of life. They cannot go on to perfection [spiritual maturity] because their foundation is incomplete.
In the natural world, a foundation alone is not very functional. It is the building constructed on that foundation that serves as a home, office, or school. The reason some people are spiritually immature is because they only lay a spiritual foundation and never finish the building by going on to perfection.
Paul spoke of these spiritually immature believers:
For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: For he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Hebrews 5:12-14)
Paul told the Corinthian believers that it was time they should be teaching others the Gospel. Instead, they were having to be taught the first [foundational] principles of God. He compared them to babies who only could drink milk. By “milk” he meant the first principles of God.
Milk is very healthy and brings growth, but there comes a time when a baby goes on to solid foods:
Whom shall He teach knowledge? and whom shall He make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. (Isaiah 28:9)
Just as weaning from milk is necessary in the natural world if a child is to develop properly, it is also necessary in the spiritual world. Believers must go beyond first principles on to spiritual maturity [perfection]. Spiritually mature believers are able to feast on the meat, not just the milk, of the Word of God.
Jesus calls His followers to perfection:
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:48)
This perfection reflects the presence of God:
I in them, and thou in me, that they may be perfect in one. (John 17:23)
It results in spiritual maturity:
Brethren, be not children in understanding…in understanding be men. (I Corinthians 14:20)
Perfection was a goal of the early church. Paul wrote:
For…this also we wish, even your perfection… …Be perfect… (II Corinthians 13:9,11)
Individual perfection results in your being perfectly joined together with other believers in the Body of Christ:
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no division among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. (I Corinthians 1:10)
Divisions in the Body of Christ are a result of spiritual immaturity.
Jesus is the example of perfection for believers:
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps. (I Peter 2:21)
For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. (Hebrews 2:10)
And being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him. (Hebrews 5:9)
God planned believers to be conformed [be made like] Jesus who is our example of perfection:
For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. (Romans 8:29)
The standard of perfection by which believers are measured is God’s Word. Jesus was the example of perfection and conformed perfectly to the Word because He was the visible revelation of God’s Word. God has set standards in His Word which are to govern our lives. The first standards He gave man were called the “law” and are recorded in the first five books of the Old Testament.
Much of the history of the Old Testament records the inability of man to keep God’s laws. God knew man would not be able to keep the law through his own efforts. But God had some specific purposes for giving the law. One of the purposes of the law was to show men their sinful condition. Another purpose was to show them that they could not become righteous by their own efforts:
Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight: For the law is the knowledge of sin. (Romans 3:20)
God did not leave us in this hopeless condition. Through the law He promised the Messiah:
I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in His mouth; and He shall speak unto them all that I shall command Him.
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which He shall speak in my name, I will require it of him. (Deuteronomy 18:18-19)
In Acts 3:22-26 these same words are quoted by the Apostle Peter and applied to the Lord Jesus Christ.
In the Old Testament, various sacrifices were required by God for sin. After Jesus sacrificed His life for the sin of all mankind, the Old Testament sacrifices were no longer necessary:
For the law having a shadow of good things to come…can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect…
For by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. (Hebrews 10:1,14)
The purpose of the law is summarized in these words:
But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. (Galatians 3:22-24)
Man could not keep the standards of a righteous God through self-effort. The law showed the need for a Savior and led man to Jesus Christ. It is through Christ, not self-effort, that you are perfected. It is through Him that you are conformed to His example of perfection and to the standard of the Word of God.
For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope [Christ] did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. (Hebrews 7:19)
There are two levels of perfection:
INITIAL PERFECTION:
In I Corinthians 1:2 Paul calls the believers “saints” which means “sanctified ones.” Yet in the same letter he corrects these “saints” because of sin. They were believers and sanctified in Christ, but some of them were not living right in their daily conduct.
These believers had received initial perfection. They were forgiven of their sins through redemption from dead works. These sins were forgiven once and for all (Hebrews 10:14). This initial perfection was received at the time they accepted Jesus as Savior. But these Christians had not gone on to perfection. They had not continued to put off the “old man” of sin:
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (Romans 6:6)
Paul told them it was not right to continue living in sin after conversion. He said:
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (II Corinthians 5:17)
As a believer you should live a new life. It is not right to continue in sin. Paul said:
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Therefore…we also should walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:1,2,4)
We must go on to perfection.
PROGRESSIVE PERFECTION:
Initial perfection from sin at the time of salvation is the start of a progressive life of sanctification. After salvation, you are to live a new life in Christ:
I am crucified with Christ: Nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
Paul described progressive perfection in his own life:
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect; but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12)
Paul had not attained complete perfection, but it was his goal. He described his struggle for perfection in another passage:
For that which I do I allow not; for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
For I know that in me [that is, in my flesh] dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. (Romans 7:15-23)
Paul wanted to live by God’s standards, but he realized that by himself [in his flesh] he could not achieve this goal. There was a constant battle between his flesh and his spirit. His spirit wanted to keep God’s laws (verse 22). His flesh wanted to sin. He discovered that the only way he could achieve perfection was through Christ:
And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His spirit that dwelleth in you.
…but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. (Romans 8:10,11,13)
It is only through the Spirit of God that you can overcome the evil desires of the flesh and conform to God’s standards. When the flesh results in you doing those things we would not, God has provided a way to restore you to perfection:
For if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:9)
You do not have to try to live this new life in your own strength. You live it through “faith in the Son of God.” Whenever you fail, you can be restored to perfection before God by confessing your sins and asking forgiveness.
When you are born again, you are just like a baby in the natural world. You have much to learn spiritually. While you are learning you make mistakes. When you make mistakes, you must confess your sins and God will forgive you.
As a believer, you fight your enemy, Satan. This is a spiritual battle which takes place in your mind and through the circumstances of life around you. On occasion, you may lose a battle to the enemy. But this does not mean he has won the war. You may temporarily go down in defeat but through confession of your sins you can rise again in righteousness to continue on to perfection.
As you learned in a previous chapter, Jesus has already judged Satan. Satan was defeated by Jesus at Calvary. The power of God within you is greater than the power of the enemy:
…Greater is He that is within you than he that is in the world. (I John 4:4)
You go on to perfection through the strength of this power, not human effort. Going on to perfection is not a course in self-improvement. It is learning to live as the new creature you are through faith in Christ Jesus.
The following things are necessary for the perfection process to occur in your life:
A GOOD FOUNDATION:
As you learned in this course, a good spiritual foundation is required to go on to perfection (Hebrews 6:1-3).
RESPONSE TO THE WORD OF GOD:
One of the purposes of the Word of God is to provide correction which results in perfection:
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (II Timothy 3:16-17)
Just studying God’s Word will not perfect you. You must make a personal response to the Word:
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted Word, which is able to save your souls.
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
For if any be a hearer of the Word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass;
For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the word, this man shall be blessed in his deed. (James 1:21-25)
You must not only look into God’s law, but “continue” [live] according to it. You must make a personal response to the Word by laying aside all “filthiness and naughtiness.” Being a doer of the Word brings assurance of salvation:
But whoso keepeth His Word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: Hereby know we that we are in Him. (I John 2:5)
PRAYER:
Prayer results in perfection:
…always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. (Colossians 4:12)
CONSECRATION:
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies, a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:1-2)
By consecrating your life to God you will know His perfect will. Consecration means to be set apart. When you consecrate your life to God you refuse to conform to the standards of the world. You choose to conform to the standards of God’s Word.
GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT:
One of the purposes of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is to assist the perfection process in your life. As you learned in a previous chapter, God has ministry gifts in the church for…
…the perfection of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ;
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:12-13)
SUBMISSION TO PROVEN MINISTRIES:
God uses spiritual leaders in the perfection process. You should submit to the leadership of those God sets in authority in the church. Submission to “proven” ministries means submitting to spiritual leaders whose ministries have shown conformity to God’s Word. The role of spiritual leaders in the perfection process is revealed in Paul’s writings:
Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith. (I Thessalonians 3:10)
Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. (Colossians 1:28)
…always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. (Colossians 4:12)
…this also we wish, even your perfection. (II Corinthians 13:9)
SUFFERING:
No one likes to suffer, but when suffering comes in the life of a believer it can have a positive purpose: Suffering results in perfection:
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered awhile, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. (I Peter 5:10)
Patience during times of suffering results in perfection:
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (James 1:4)
SELF-CONTROL:
Part of the process of perfection is learning self-control. We are told to…
…cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (II Corinthians 7:1)
One of the most difficult things to control is the tongue. But control of the tongue is a key to self-control of your whole life: If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. (James 3:2)
RESPONDING TO SPIRITUAL CORRECTION:
Correction received from mature believers is also part of the perfection process:
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual restore such an one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. (Galatians 6:1)
You will be restored to perfection if you respond properly to such correction.
Spiritual maturity does not mean advancing in God’s favor. It does not mean the work of salvation is incomplete. It does not gain you access to Heaven, because this was done through the death of Jesus Christ. It is through Jesus you are justified before God. It is through Him you are saved and have the promise of Heaven.
Perfection does not come by maintaining a set of standards. It is possible for a person to maintain standards that give an outward spiritual appearance yet be unspiritual and maybe even unsaved.
Spiritual maturity does not depend on how you feel emotionally. It does not come automatically through years of being a Christian or by Christian service. Spiritual maturity [perfection] comes through an increase in and application of spiritual knowledge. This increase in knowledge comes by study of God’s Word.
This study results in understanding of the processes for perfection and the commandments of our Lord Jesus Christ. Personal application of what you learn leads to spiritual maturity through the enabling power of God.
Perfection
(Spiritual Maturity)
Study Of God’s Word
Leads To
An Increase In Spiritual Knowledge When Applied Through God’s Power
This Leads To
Spiritual Maturity (Perfection)
IN CLOSING…
We have come to the conclusion of our study of foundations of the Christian faith. you have not completed this course. As Paul said, you must now…
…go on to perfection. (Hebrews 6:1)
But in reality
Each chapter of this course began with a list of objectives. These were the goals which were to be achieved through study of the chapter. Your new objective, for the next chapter of your life, is perfection…
For…this also we wish, even your perfection. (II Corinthians 13:9)
Continue your study of perfection by using the following references:
NEW TESTAMENT REFERENCES
COMMANDS TO BE PERFECT:
- Matthew 5:48
- John 17:23
- I Corinthians 1:10
- II Corinthians 7:1; 13:9,11
- Colossians 4:12
- Hebrews 6:1; 13:21
- James 1:4
THINGS THAT PREVENT PERFECTION:
- Luke 8:14
- Galatians 3:3
- Philippians 3:15
- Hebrews 7:11,19; 9:9; 10:1
REASONS TO BE PERFECTED:
- John 17:23
- Romans 12:2
- Colossians 4:12
- II Timothy 3:16-17
- James 1:4; 2:22; 3:2
- I John 2:5
HOW WE ARE PERFECTED:
- Matthew 19:21
- Luke 6:40
- II Corinthians 7:1; 12:9
- Galatians 3:3
- Ephesians 4:12-13
- Philippians 3:12,15
- Colossians 1:28; 3:14
- II Timothy 3:16-17
- Hebrews 2:10; 7:11
- James 1:4,17,25; 2:22; 3:2
- I Peter 5:10
- I John 2:5; 4:12; 4:17-18
OLD TESTAMENT REFERENCES
Abraham was to be perfect before God:
- Genesis 17:1
Hezekiah was perfect before God:
- Isaiah 38:3
God’s way for us is perfect:
- II Samuel 22:31
Read the books of I and II Kings. You will find the phrase “his heart was not perfect” used often to describe evil kings who ruled Israel. As you read their stories, observe why their hearts were not perfect and the results of this lack of perfection.
PERFECTION IN THE PSALMS
Study what David said about perfection:
God’s way is perfect:
- Psalms 18:30,32
God’s law is perfect:
- Psalms 19:7
The end of the perfect man is peace:
- Psalms 37:37
We are to walk perfectly before God:
- Psalms 101:2,6
Appendix
“Foundations Of Faith” is an important study for new believers. It teaches the basic doctrines of Jesus which provide the proper foundations for spiritual maturity (Hebrews 6:1-3).
New believers are like newborn babies in the natural world. You would never take a newborn baby, show him the door, and say, “We will look in on you in a couple of weeks.” Yet this is often what happens in the church. This is why many newborn believers die spiritually. Your responsibility for the souls of men and women does not end at an altar where they pray the prayer of repentance. You are responsible to move the new believer from the altar to the church.
A new believer has entered a strange environment. He has been born into the Kingdom of God (John 3:3-7). We speak a language different than he has ever heard. There are terms like faith, repentance, baptism, eternal judgment, etc., which must be explained. Not only must he learn the language of the Kingdom, he also must learn the basic principles of new life in the Kingdom.
Each new believer needs the personal care of a mature Christian. He needs nurture in the spiritual world just as a baby in the natural world. A baby is in greater need of care immediately after birth than at any other time. Use the following guidelines to provide proper spiritual care for newborn believers.
Within 24 hours after a person has responded to the Gospel message, repented, and accepted Jesus as Savior, he should receive personal contact from a mature Christian.
The new believer may live in a bad environment surrounded by cursing, immoral conversation, and sinful actions. Personal contact from a mature Christian will provide encouragement and let him know someone cares and is praying for him. The objectives of this first follow up contact are:
- To let the new believer know he has a Christian friend who cares.
- To answer questions he may have.
- To pray with him regarding any personal needs.
- To enroll him in the “Foundations Of Faith” program described in Step Two.
As was stressed in this study, continued teaching after conversion was the pattern set by Jesus and followed by the early church. This course, “Foundations Of Faith”, can be used to teach the basic doctrines of Jesus to new believers. There are two ways this can be done:
First: Form a class on “Foundations Of Faith” for new believers. This should be taught by a mature Christian and should be repeated continuously in the church.
Each new believer should be enrolled in this course. If he misses a session, the teacher should make personal contact and provide opportunity for makeup sessions.
The advantage of this method is that new believers are taught in a group situation with other new Christians. They become acquainted with people on their own spiritual level with similar needs and questions.
Or…
Second: A mature Christian can be assigned to each new believer. This Christian will meet regularly with the new convert to study “Foundations Of Faith” on an individual basis.
The advantage of this method is that a new believer can progress spiritually at his own rate of speed. He can move rapidly or slowly through lessons as he is capable. There is more opportunity for personal questions to be answered and a relationship to be established between the new believer and his teacher. He can turn to his teacher with questions, needs, and problems requiring spiritual counsel.
If individual instruction is used, men should train men only and women should train women only. Each person teaching “foundations” by either method should have completed the “Foundations Of Faith” course and be committed to the responsibility of caring for new believers.
Guide the new believer into regular prayer and Bible study. Do not assume he knows how to pray or study the Bible. Give him basic instruction in these areas. Harvestime International Institute offers a course entitled “Creative Bible Study Methods.” Guidelines on prayer are given in a course entitled “Intercessory Prayer.”
New believers should be guided to the experiences of water baptism and baptism in the Holy Spirit as soon as they are ready spiritually. For some, this might be the same day, week, or month of their conversion. For others, it may take more time to prepare them for these experiences. If you are teaching new believers in a group situation, do not hold one person back until the group is ready. Let each progress as he is spiritually capable.
Help the new believer find his place in the Body of Christ, the Church. Guide him in the discovery of his spiritual gift. The Harvestime International Institute course, “Ministry Of The Holy Spirit,” will help you do this.
Challenge him with the personal responsibility of all believers to reach others with the Gospel message. You may want to use the Harvestime International Institute courses entitled “Strategies For Spiritual Harvest” and “Developing A Biblical World View” to communicate this challenge.
Remember: Your goal is to integrate the new believer into the Church as a functional, reproductive member capable of going on to perfection [spiritual maturity].
Answers to Self Test Questions
Chapter 1
Foundations1. “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.” – Hebrews 6:1-3
2. Repentance from dead works
Faith toward God
Doctrine of Baptisms
Laying on of Hands
Resurrection of the Dead
Eternal judgment
3. A proper spiritual foundation based on the doctrine of Jesus Christ.
4. Whosoever cometh to me…
Heareth my sayings…
And doeth them.
5. Jesus Christ.
Chapter 2
Repentance FromDead Works
Part I
1. “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” – Romans 3:23
2. Repentance from dead works is an inner change of mind resulting in an outward turning away from sin to move towards God and righteousness.
3. Sin
Ungodliness
Evil
Wickedness
Transgression
Unrighteousness
Iniquity
Disobedience
Trespass
4. All are sinners. Romans 5:12
5. Lucifer (Satan) originated sin when he rebelled against God in Heaven. He was cast out
of Heaven to earth and led the first man and woman into sin. Because of this, sin and the penalties of sin were passed on to all men.
6. Judas (Matthew 27:3-4) and Esau (Hebrews 12:17).
Chapter 3
Repentance FromDead Works
Part II
1. “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” – Luke 5:32
2. God commands it.
It is necessary to avoid spiritual death.
It is necessary for eternal life.
It is necessary for forgiveness.
It is necessary to enter God’s Kingdom.
It is God’s desire for all.
It is the reason why Jesus came into the world
3. The goodness of God.
Preaching.
Christ’s call.
God the Father.
Rebuke.
Godly sorrow.
4. Conversion means to turn from the wrong way to the right way.
5. The prodigal son is like sinful man who has turned his back on God his Father and Heaven his home. When this young man realized his sinful condition he made a decision to go to his father and repent of his sin. This was repentance. The young man left the old life and went to his father to start a new life. This is conversion.
6. Faith, baptism, works (fruits), conversion.
7. Yes.
8. Check the subheadings of this chapter. Any of these are Biblical examples of Christians needing to repent.
9. Justification is a right relationship or standing before God made possible through repentance from dead works and accepting God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.
10. To be saved from a life of sin and the penalties of sin through repenting and accepting Jesus Christ as Savior.
Chapter 4
Faith Toward God1. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him: For he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” – Hebrews 11:6
2. “Faith means to believe and have assurance of something. Faith is assurance that the things promised in the future are true and that unseen things are real.” – Hebrews 11:1
3. Natural faith: Natural trust in things which have proven stable. Saving faith: Faith toward God combined with true repentance. Sanctifying faith: Helps you live a holy life after conversion. Defensive faith: Spiritual weapon for defense against Satan.
4. It is necessary for salvation. You cannot please God without it.
5. By hearing God’s Word. – Romans 10:17.
6. He heard the Word. He believed the Word. He turned from his hopeless condition. He accepted God’s promise as fact.
7. Faith is an attitude of believing in something you cannot see but have assurance you already possess. Hope is a desire or attitude of expectancy concerning things still in the future.
8. ‘Mind over matter’ teaches that man can overcome all problems by using his mind, reason, or willpower. These teachings are man-centered and rely on self instead of God. Faith is God-centered, not man-centered. it is a gift of God, not something man produces through self effort.
9. Faith is what you believe. Works are what you do.
10. “Faith toward God” refers to your attitude towards God. It should be one of faith, not of rebellion, fear, etc.
Chapter 5
Doctrine of BaptismsPart I
1. “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.” – Matthew 3:11
2. The word “baptize” used in the Bible means to entirely immerse or submerge in something.
3. It is the outward confession of the inward change which has occurred.
4. Instruction
Repentance
Belief
Good conscience toward God
5. Christ’s baptism of suffering
The Baptism of John
Christian baptism
Baptism in the Holy Spirit
6. Immediately after they received instruction and confessed their faith.
7. Acts 19:1-5
8. No.
9. The age depends upon their ability to understand the meaning of baptism and fulfill the requirements.
10. a. False b. True c. True
Chapter 6
Doctrine of BaptismsPart II
1. “But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” – Acts 1:8
2. Compare your list to the purposes itemized in Chapter Six.
3. Repent and be baptized
Desire it
Request the prayers of other believers
Believe it is for you
Realize it is a gift
Yield to God
4. Speaking in a language not known to the speaker.
5. To make the Christian a powerful witness for the Gospel. – Acts 1:8
6. The fruit of the Holy Spirit refers to the nature of the Holy Spirit being evident in the life of a believer.
7. Galatians 5:22-23
Love
Joy
Peace
Longsuffering
Gentleness
Goodness
Faith
Meekness
Temperance
8. For perfection of the saints.
For promoting the work of the ministry.
For edifying Christ and the Church.
9. Because the Lord gave ministry gifts to accomplish certain purposes in the church. These purposes have not yet been accomplished. He will not withdraw any of these gifts without the purposes for which they were given being accomplished.
10. Every Christian receives the Holy Spirit when he is converted.
The Bible says not all speak with tongues.
Fear.
It is an emotional experience.
11. No.
Chapter 7
Laying On Of Hands1. “Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of His grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.” – Acts 14:3
2. Israel on Ehpriam and Manasseh
The people of Israel on the Levites
Moses commissioning Joshua
3. Supernatural signs
Baptism of the Holy Spirit
Imparting spiritual gifts
Commissioning Christian workers
Dedication of infants
4. Mark 16:17-18.
5. Laying on of hands is an act in which one person places his hands on the body of another person with a definite spiritual purpose. It is accompanied by prayer or prophecy.
6. Believers
Apostles and disciples
Members of the presbytery [elders]
7. a. False b. True c. False d. False e. True f. False
Chapter 8
Resurrection OfThe Dead
Part I
1. “Jesus saith unto her, I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.” – John 11:25-26
2. Resurrection is a raising or rising up. It means to cause to rise or raise up from the dead.
3. Past: The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
Present: The spiritual resurrection of believers in Jesus Christ. Future: The future resurrection of all that are in the graves.
4. Acts 2:30-31
Matthew 28:1,5-7
I Corinthians 15:5-8
John 20:19
5. Because if Christ did not rise from the dead, then our preaching and faith is in vain. (I Corinthians 15:13-14).
Belief in the resurrection is also necessary to become a true believer. (Romans 10:9; I Corinthians 15:1-4).
The resurrection confirms Jesus is the Son of God (Romans 1:4) and supreme over all created beings (Ephesians 1:20-23).
It confirms that believers are justified (Romans 4:25) and that death is defeated (Hebrews 2:14).
Because of His resurrection, we also will be resurrected and have new bodies (I Corinthians 15:51-52; Philippians 3:21).
6. This means those who were once spiritually dead in sin are made alive spiritually through Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:1,5
7. Death to sin resulting in a new life in Christ
A new master
A new life purpose
8. Christian baptism in water and the new life of the believer.
Chapter 9
Resurrection OfThe Dead
Part II
1. “For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first;
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” – I Thessalonians 4:16-17
2. The resurrection of the just and the resurrection of the unjust.
3. All will experience the resurrection of the dead. All will experience eternal judgment.
4. a.True b.True c.False d.True e.False
5. Acts 17:13,32
Chapter 10
Eternal Judgment1. “For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king.” – Isaiah 33:22
2. To refer to the statutes, testimonies, and laws of God. Concerning God’s judgment on the affairs of men and nations.
3. The words “to judge” mean to separate or make a difference between. This includes bringing to trial, examining evidence, determining guilt or innocence, and deciding the penalty for sin.
4. Judgment is necessary because of sin.
5. God, Jesus, and the saints.
6. All souls.
7. The Word of God.
According to knowledge.
Individually.
According to truth.
On the basis of personal conduct.
Without partiality.
According to the law.
According to righteousness.
According to motives and thoughts.
8. a.True b.True c.False
Chapter 11
Perfection1. “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in Heaven is perfect.” – Matthew 5:48
2. The word perfection means complete, finished, and mature. A perfect Christian is one who has achieved spiritual maturity. This means his body, soul, and spirit are under the control of the Holy Spirit.
3. Jesus Christ.
4. Initial perfection is having all your past sins forgiven when you repent and accept Jesus Christ as Savior.
5. Progressive perfection is the continued process of perfection in the life of the believer after initial perfection from sin at the time of salvation.
6. A good foundation
Submission to proven ministries
Response to the Word of God
Suffering
Prayer
Self-control
Consecration
Responding to correction
Gifts of the Holy Spirit
7. a.False b.True c.False d.True
8. The Word of God.