LESSON 22 THE KINGDOM OF GOD


The kingdom is spiritual and not of this world

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

Kingdom—Rule or realm. Government or universal dominion of God. Territory or country subject to a king.

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

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the son of God let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14–16

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And as they heard these things, He added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.

Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities. And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow. And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant.

Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury? And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.(And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.) For I say unto you, that unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him. Luke 19:11–26

 The man traveling into a far country is a representative of Christ. The servants in the parable represent the followers of Christ. For we are also servants for “we have been bought with a price,” not “with corruptible things, as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Peter 1:18, 19). Christ’s purchase is for a purpose, “that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again” (2 Corinthians 5:15).

The talents or money in the parable represent talents natural or spiritual all of which are to be used for the uplifting of God’s kingdom. Those with faith and zeal will utilize these talents and gifts for God’s glory and there will be an increase, a harvest of souls. The believer who is careless and disregards his master’s call to service, and is lazy or unconcerned does not utilize his talents for the Lord but for self.

As in the parable the one who does not utilize the gifts to God’s glory will be separated from the kingdom, lost for all eternity. The one who hides his talent has a false concept of God, attributing to his Master the characteristics of Satan, and using this as an excuse for not doing his Masters bidding.

The kingdom of glory commences at second coming:

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

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. Matthew 25:31

When is the spiritual kingdom of grace established?

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

The power of grace is a renewing, regenerating power that Christ implants in the soul of one who responds to the drawing of the Spirit of God. It is the work of grace that creates in man enmity against Satan. Without this converting grace and renewing power, man would continue to be guided and influenced by Satan, and in reality his servant who follows his bidding though knowing it not.

The work of grace in the heart is a heaven born principle that creates conflict with sin where before there had been peace. The power that Christ imparts enables man to resist the tyrant and usurper. Whoever abhors sin instead of loving it, whoever resists and conquers those passions that have held sway is demonstrating the work of the kingdom of grace upon the heart.

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. Matthew 3:1, 2

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 4:17

And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him. 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 1:13–15

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

The kingdom of grace was instituted immediately after the fall of man, for the redemption of the guilty race. It then existed in the purpose and by the promise of God; and through faith, men could become its subjects. Yet it was not actually established until the death of Christ.

When the Savior yielded up His life, and cried out, “It is finished,” then the fulfillment of the plan of redemption was assured. The promise of salvation made to Adam and Eve in Eden was ratified. The kingdom of grace, which had before existed by the promise of God typified in sacrifice and ritual, the gospel in symbols was established when Christ gave His life for our sins.

How are we to enter the kingdom?

Must be 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. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? 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 3:3–5

See—Know, be acquainted with and experience. Perceive, understand.

It is not by earthly courts or church councils or legislative assemblies, or by the aid of politically or wealthy great men, that the kingdom of Christ is established. God’s kingdom of grace is established by the implanting of Christ’s nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. “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 of, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:12, 13). The grace of Christ is the only power that can work for the uplifting of mankind.

Through Christ:

Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:12–14

But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Titus 3:4–6

By faith:

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8, 9

Humble ourselves:

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 him, 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

To be great in God’s kingdom is to be as a little child in humility, in simplicity of faith, and in the purity of our love. All pride must be set aside, all jealousy overcome, and all ambition for supremacy must be given up, and the meekness and trust of the child is to be cultivated in our life. These are the attributes of one coming under the influence of the kingdom of grace.

Must partake of the divine nature:

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 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 nor 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 Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:3–11

Who cannot enter the kingdom:

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. 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 5:19, 20

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. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:21–23
 
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, 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. Matthew 19:23, 24

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;  That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 1 Timothy 6:9, 10, 17–19

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. 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10

Do you not know that the unrighteous and the wrongdoers will not inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived (misled): neither the impure and immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor those who participate in homosexuality. Nor cheats (swindlers and thieves), nor greedy graspers, nor drunkards, nor foulmouthed revilers and slanderers, nor extortioners and robbers will inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10 AMP

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulation’s, wrath, strife, sedition’s, 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

Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 1 Corinthians 15:50

But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints. Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Ephesians 5:3–5

The kingdom of God is like:

Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it, Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Matthew 13:18–23

The kingdom of God and its principles are sown in the heart by the word of God, in conjunction with the work of the Holy Spirit. By man’s acceptance or neglect of that word he determines, as in the parable the effect of the seed sown. We see here that the seed is sown freely in the world and men themselves determine if they shall accept the kingdom of God or reject it.

Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

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 enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity. Matthew 13:24–30, 38–41

There are two classes who appear to be part of the spiritual kingdom of grace, there are those who are born of God, and those who are yet unconverted. At first there is no apparent difference but the growth of the true believer reveals the falsehood of the tares. At the time of the harvest the character of each will be fully revealed and before the kingdom of glory is established the false believers will be cut off from the kingdom.

Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, 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. Matthew 13:31, 32

True Christianity does not put on a show of display in self-importance; it is to have no military or political might or worldly ambition. Therefore it may appear to the world as an insignificant seed. However the seed of the kingdom of grace as it grows in the hearts of men is the greatest of principles, working for the preservation of goodness and truth in men and in society. And though seemingly insignificant, the kingdom of Christ is the one influence upon this planet, which keeps it from utter destruction.

Another parable spake he unto them; 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 13:33

Leaven when mixed with flour works silently and imperceptible to raise the dough. So is the work of God’s grace as it renews the heart to transform the life. No outward religion or external change is sufficient to bring us into harmony with God. The leaven representing the work of the kingdom of grace in our life is a life changing power.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Matthew 13:44

This parable illustrates the value of salvation and the truth of God, and the effort that should be made to secure it. The man who found the hidden treasure in the field was ready to part with all that he had and to put forth untiring labor, in order to secure the hidden riches. So it is to be with us, the knowledge of the kingdom of God and its possession will lead us to count no labor too great and no sacrifice too dear, in order to gain the treasures of truth. In the parable the field containing the treasure represents the Word of God, and the treasure the truth and salvation the word reveals.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls. Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. Matthew 13:45, 46

In this parable Christ represents the kingdom of heaven as a pearl of great value. Truly nothing we can do will secure the kingdom, for it required the death of the Son of God to make it available to us. Yet in the parable the merchantman bought the pearl at the price of all that he had.

Since Christ is the gift of God to us, and His sacrifice on our behalf is truly the pearl of great price, then how are we to purchase this gift of eternal life? Eternal life is beyond our own ability to obtain; yet it requires that we give ourselves to Christ body, mind, our all without reserve. To do this requires the surrender of our heart and mind, this is made possible by the drawing of the Spirit of God upon our hearts. Salvation is free but it requires of us surrender. For many this is a cost to high, yet it is only as we give ourselves wholly to Christ, that we can obtain the pearl of great price.

For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and said unto them; go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, why stand ye here all the day idle? They say unto him, because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.

So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny. And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house, saying, these last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day. But he answered one of them, and said, friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny? Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen. Matthew 20:1–16

No distinctions are found in God’s kingdom, all who believe and endure until the end will be saved and receive their reward. We shall be rewarded according to our deeds; and if we think we deserve more because of our length of service and profession of faith then our hearts are evil. We are serving God only for the wages or reward we hope to obtain.

There will be those who thought they were first in God’s kingdom and were children of God, however in the day of final reckoning they shall be last. Though called by the grace of God, they are not among the chosen for they did not really surrender their hearts in love. These are the ones represented in Jesus parable who were unhappy with the householder and bitter against those they thought were not as worthy as themselves.

Those workers in the parable who were called in the later hours of the day represent those who serve the Lord solely because of His kindness and grace calling them and moving upon their hearts. They do not serve God merely for hope of reward but because of love transforming their heart. Therefore they give willing service to God with what time and talents they have, trusting in His goodness to be faithful in all that He has promised.

Principles governing the kingdom:

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Matthew 5:3–12

It is only as we partake of Christ’s Spirit that we are blessed; as the experience of righteousness by faith becomes ours, then the promised blessings will be ours as well.

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10

Those who are part of God’s kingdom will seek to do His will on earth as they live by faith directed by the Word of God.

Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.

But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.

And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.

So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:

Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. Matthew 18:23–35

As we partake of Christ’s forgiveness so too will we have a forgiving heart. Our spirit of mercy, or lack thereof shows whether we have really known and experienced God’s mercy and forgiveness toward us. Thus if we are unforgiving it’s indicative of our lack of having experienced the forgiving love of heaven, which should be manifested in a forgiving spirit toward our fellow man.

Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. Acts 14:22

Because Christ’s kingdom and principles are at odds with this world, every Christian who is faithful will have pressure, trials and difficulties, and tribulation, as by faith and submission to Christ they follow the way of God rather than the way of men. This is part of the pathway to the kingdom.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

The Christian in this world needs money, food and the like, but he will put God’s kingdom and principles first in his daily life. The Christian may be assured that as he makes God first, and lives daily according to God’s counsel he will be given his daily necessities and need not compromise his faith to gain worldly advantage.

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. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:21–23

Entering the kingdom of glory is dependent upon our faithfulness here and now to do the will of God and to live according to God’s law free from iniquity. Even supposed miracles and great works done apart from fidelity to God’s Word will avail nothing in the end. Doing the will of God and obeying His law is indicative of the fact that we are partakers of the kingdom of grace, and thus true subjects for the kingdom of glory at Christ’s second coming.

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 heirs of the kingdom are only those who are rich in faith. Tragically many make the mistake of seeking worldly riches at the expense of faith. Further there are those who mistake possessions as an evidence of God’s blessing, and trust in outward advantage more than they trust in and obey God.

And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. Luke 9:62

A divided heart or slothful service will disqualify us to be a part of God’s kingdom. We cannot be part time Christians or seek to follow the world and Christ too. We are either going down the broad road to eternal loss or the narrow road to eternal life.

As with the individual working the plow, our direction and purpose must be consistent and straightforward. To place our first attention anywhere else but on Christ and living by the will and Word of God will make us unfit for the kingdom.

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

In the kingdom of God no one man or group of men are to exercise dominion or authority over the believer. Even in church administration and organization the principle must ever be maintained that all ye are brethren and one is your head even Christ.

And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: and to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question. Mark 12:32–34

The law of the kingdom is based upon the Ten Commandments. The lawyer explains the law of God forth in its simplest form, which is to love God supremely, and your neighbor as yourself. This summation of the law of God was drawn from the Old Testament. (See Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18.) Further the moral law gives direction or meaning as to how love in thought and action is shown toward God and our fellow man.

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Romans 14:17

 Paul was addressing those who made much of how and what people would eat and drink. And it is true the Scripture does outline principles on such things. (See 1 Corinthians 10:31, Leviticus 3:17.) However the real issue of the kingdom is righteousness, doing right and living right by faith, leading us to be in harmony with all of God’s ways. It is this harmony with God that brings true peace and joy.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16

The power of God’s kingdom is the gospel. The gospel redeems man from the consequences of sin, “for the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). The gospel is also the power of God to redeem man from the control and effects of sin in the life. The gospel of God’s grace works upon the heart of an individual to cleanse, renew, pardon and restore.

For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. 1 Corinthians 4:20

The kingdom of God is not just talking; it is living by God’s power. 1 Corinthians 4:20 TLB

For the kingdom of God consists of and is based on not talk but power (moral power and excellence of soul.) 1 Corinthians 4:20 AMP

But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Hebrews 1:8

Scepter—Baton of royalty. A staff or baton borne by kings on solemn occasions, as a badge of authority. Royal power or authority.

A scepter is an emblem of power or kingly authority. The authority or power of Christ’s kingdom is not found in the pride, might or force of the kingdoms of this world. The power of Christ’s kingdom is found in love and righteousness, and all who are subjects of Christ’s kingdom will live by the principles of that kingdom. God’s true children will give evidence of their faith and repentance. In their life will be seen kindness, honesty, and fidelity, justice, mercy, and the love of God. In short, Christ ruling as king in the believer’s life will be manifested by the principle of the kingdom, which is righteousness.

Judgment or separation in the kingdom:

The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment. And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen. Matthew 22:2, 10–14

In Christ’s parable the marriage represents the union of humanity and divinity by faith through grace. The wedding garment represents the character which all must possess who are accounted ready for the wedding. By the king’s examination of the guests at the feast we see a work of judgment that determines who is worthy to partake of the wedding feast.

The guests at the wedding represent those who profess to serve God, however not all are true disciples. As in the parable some will be found wanting, not having the robe of Christ’s righteousness but there own righteousness, they are found unworthy to enter the kingdom.

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 casting of the net represents the preaching of the gospel. This work gathers both the good and evil into the church, those who are truly converted and those who merely make a profession. Before Christ comes there is a work of judgment, a separation is made between the good and the evil in the church, between the true and false professors.

Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

But the wise answered, saying, not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. Matthew 25:1–13

We learn here of the necessity of being always ready for the coming of the Son of man. Many virgins, or professed believers, are found at last to be wanting in the oil of grace, to late will they seek the Christian experience. Even now many foolish virgins are looking to the worldly merchants for oil, this is why worldliness and every wind of doctrine is found in many of the churches. But the oil of grace is found only in Christ and is seen in a life guided and illuminated by the lamp of God’s Word.

The oil of grace or the lack thereof determined which of the virgins or Christians were true and which were false. Only those with the oil were able to enter into the wedding feast and sup with Christ. The foolish were separated, and lost for eternity.
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