The Kingdom Of Heaven

[Edward]

In some places in scripture, it speaks of the Kingdom of Heaven. In other places, it speaks of the Kingdom of God...

This strikes me as if it is talking about different things. I haven't studied it or anything, it just occurred to me so I thought I'd ask. Is it talking about different things?

 

[reba]

just the different guys talking.. I put this together a long time ago i think there might be a double up here or there,,

Mat_3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Mat_4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Mar 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
Mat 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Luk 6:20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.
Mat 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
Luk 8:10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.
Mat 13:24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
Mar 4:26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;
Mat 13:31 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:
Mar 4:30 And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?
Mar 4:31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:
Luk 13:18 Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?
Luk 13:19 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it
Mat 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
Luk 7:28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. Mat 18:1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
Mat 18:3 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.
Mar 10:14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Mar 10:15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
Luk 18:17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
Mat 19:14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
Mar 10:14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Mar 10:15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
Mat 19:23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 19:24 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 GodMar 10:24 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!
Mar 10:25 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.
Luk 18:24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
Luk 18:25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
Mat_3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Mat_4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Mar 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Mat 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Luk 6:20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.

Mat 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
Luk 8:10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.

Mat 13:24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
Mar 4:26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;

Mat 13:31 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:
Mar 4:30 And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?
Mar 4:31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:
Luk 13:18 Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?
Luk 13:19 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it

Mat 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
Luk 7:28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.
Mat 18:1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

Mat 18:3 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.
Mar 10:14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Mar 10:15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
Luk 18:17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
Mat 19:14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
Mar 10:14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Mar 10:15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.

Mat 19:23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 19:24 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
Mar 10:24 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!
Mar 10:25 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.
Luk 18:24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
Luk 18:25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

 

[Corn Pop]

Jesus said repent and seek first the Kingdom of God. So i guess that means turn from your worldly ways and seek God's Kingdom.This world only offers temperary perishable treasures not worth selling out, eternal spiritual treasure is better option.

 

[Eugene]

In some places in scripture, it speaks of the Kingdom of Heaven. In other places, it speaks of the Kingdom of God...
This strikes me as if it is talking about different things. I haven't studied it or anything, it just occurred to me so I thought I'd ask. Is it talking about different things?

Hi Brother Edward, I believe in dispensations or ages manifest as God dealt with mankind; i.e, innocence, conscience, human government, promises, law, grace or church age, the millennial of kingdom age, and finally consummating with Eph 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness 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.

Now I have a study a study given by A.S. Copley says that “Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom, not the Gospel of the Church.”

Israel looked for an earthly kingdom, and had Israel received Jesus as their Savior the millennial reign of Christ may have begun. Instead, what is explained is that God sort of put a parenthesis in the progression in the plan of the ages and we read of the Apostle Paul brought on the scene.

in Eph 3:7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
Eph 3:8 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;
Eph 3:9 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:
Thus we began hearing of a heavenly kingdom, its promises, and rewards.

Now even the thief knew of Jesus’ kingdom according to Luk 23:42, And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom, but did he have any concept of being able to qualify for a heavenly kingdom reigning with Christ (2 Tim 2:12) , or becoming a joint heir with Jesus (Rom 8:17)?

 

[Corn Pop]

I think everyone has suffered in this world. Every single human being has suffered to a point. I suffer everyday, I have to work in a stinking factory by the sweat of my brow. Lol. Who wants to work all day.

 

[Nathan]

Hi Brother Edward, I believe in dispensations or ages manifest as God dealt with mankind; i.e, innocence, conscience, human government, promises, law, grace or church age, the millennial of kingdom age, and finally consummating with Eph 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness 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.

Now I have a study a study given by A.S. Copley says that “Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom, not the Gospel of the Church.”

Israel looked for an earthly kingdom, and had Israel received Jesus as their Savior the millennial reign of Christ may have begun. Instead, what is explained is that God sort of put a parenthesis in the progression in the plan of the ages and we read of the Apostle Paul brought on the scene.

in Eph 3:7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
Eph 3:8 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;
Eph 3:9 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:
Thus we began hearing of a heavenly kingdom, its promises, and rewards.

Now even the thief knew of Jesus’ kingdom according to Luk 23:42, And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom, but did he have any concept of being able to qualify for a heavenly kingdom reigning with Christ (2 Tim 2:12) , or becoming a joint heir with Jesus (Rom 8:17)?

What is the difference between the Gospel of the kingdom and the Gospel of grace? If Jesus did not preach the Gospel of grace who did?

 

[Corn Pop]

I see it as turning people back to seek the Kingdom of God rather than the world and the law that only brings sin.

Light and darkness. Good and evil.

As Jesus said Repent and seek first the Kingdom of God.

It can't be that hard. Christ is High Priest who has taken away the sin of the world and sits as mediator, and wants people to seek God's righteousness and ways, that is, love one another, forgive one another, help one another, and just generally do what's right.

 

[Corn Pop]

Kingdom of God sounds good. Who is keen for the Kingdom of God.

 

[Eugene]

What is the difference between the Gospel of the kingdom and the Gospel of grace? If Jesus did not preach the Gospel of grace who did?

Hi Nathan.
Mat 9:35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom.

Jesus died for all, but did He come to all?
Joh 1:11 He came unto His own, and his own received Him not.
Luk 2:40 . . . the grace of God was upon Him.
Joh 1:14 . . . we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Joh 1:17 . . . grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

Now let’s take a question such as that in Luk 18:18 . . . what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

How about Luk 18:20, . . . Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.
Luk 18:21 And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.
Luk 18:22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, 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.

It appears Jesus was talking to very religious people with their own agenda as how to appropriate the kingdom compared to the revealed message of grace He sent Paul with in Eph 2:8, For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
And what about Rom 10:13? For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

I’ll leave of here lest I present too many different ideas to discuss.

 

[Corn Pop]

So the rich mans heart was still not in the right place even held the law, he was still sold out as he was depressed he had to give away his private jet and luxury abode to the poor. Worldly treasure still had power over him.

Maybe thats not the main context of what Jesus was explaining but it still makes a valid point.

I guess thats why Jesus had to go deeper not just outwardly clean but inwardly. If you live by the law its to the lust of an eye, and if you live by the law but inwardly hate your brother your a murderer.

Who is without sin cast the first stone. All sinners. Deep inside everyone knows they have done wrong. I dont think any person can say they have never done wrong.

Thats all it takes, one lust of an eye, one little tiny lie, sinner before God.

 

[Not_Now.Soon]

Reading some bible commentaries in my bible, one gave an interpretation of the gospels to be spoken to different audiences. In that commentary it suggested that Mathew was written for Jewish people, to give the message to them. In accordance with Jewish tradition God's name is holy and to not be spoken of lightly. So the Kingdom of Heaven is used. Where as Mark and Luke might have been given to communities that were filled with more Gentiles and not as knowledgeable of Jewish custom.

Honestly I didn't like the idea of the gospels being shaped that way. Instead of being a much more literal account of Jesus's actions and words (the difference between Kingdom of Heaven, and Kingdom of God weren't the only things mentioned to suggest the gospels were shaped for the audiences and to better share the message of the Gospel); but the distinction of the two kingdom terms makes as much sence or more in that light then the few other theories I could grabble with.

Just passing on some thought on the matter. Though they are still new enough ideas for me that all I can do is pass it on. I don't know if I can endorse it or not, or if you should either.

 

[Corn Pop]

I cannot see a difference between the two. The Kingdom of God is obviously what it says, its God's Kingdom, and God's Kingdom is in Heaven. So the Kingdom of Heaven is the Kingdom of God.

Its exactly the same thing.

 

[Nathan]

Hi Nathan.
Mat 9:35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom.

Jesus died for all, but did He come to all?
Joh 1:11 He came unto His own, and his own received Him not.
Luk 2:40 . . . the grace of God was upon Him.
Joh 1:14 . . . we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Joh 1:17 . . . grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

Now let’s take a question such as that in Luk 18:18 . . . what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

How about Luk 18:20, . . . Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.
Luk 18:21 And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.
Luk 18:22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, 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.

It appears Jesus was talking to very religious people with their own agenda as how to appropriate the kingdom compared to the revealed message of grace He sent Paul with in Eph 2:8, For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
And what about Rom 10:13? For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

I’ll leave of here lest I present too many different ideas to discuss.

Jesus might not have been physically seen by all men(come to all), but He did come for all. Jesus specifically told the disciples to 'teach all He commanded'.

I think the example with the young ruler is a simple example of no one being good enough to enter the kingdom. Jesus was leading that man to understand he could not 'do' anything to receive entrance.

The problem I have with two different Gospels is Paul talks about them as the same, or at least does not attempt to make a distinction.

Acts 19:8 (ESV) 8 And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God.

Acts 20:17-35, I would post it all, but I would rather encourage you to read it all in context. Paul makes no distinction again, and does mention the kingdom.

I think the below is the most telling account we have of there being zero difference between that which is preached to Jews and that which is preached to Gentiles. All being the same Gospel of Gods kingdom.

Acts 28
23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.
24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved.
25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: "The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:
26 "'Go to this people, and say, You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.
27 For this people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.'
28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen."
29
30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him,
31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

Paul did not even hint that a different Gospel would be preached to the Gentiles. Verse 28 above is very specific that it is the same thing that had been sent to the Jews.

 

[eddif]

Part of getting to the bottom of this is Luke.

The Beatitudes in Matthew are presented to the disciples alone on the mountain top (almost without a parable). The conversation is about the inward man or the kingdom inside us (poor in spirit (low ego).

In Luke 6 the message changed to physically poor people (parables as the multitudes are taught as Jesus came down into the plain).

The kingdom of Heaven within us (internal / Pentecost).

The kingdom of God manifested in lives of people (external).

When you look at fruit they may tie together.
When you look st wolves you may see falsehood for what it is.

This is another of those difficult passages were welding glasses prevent perfect understanding.

eddif

 

[Edward]

just the different guys talking.. I put this together a long time ago i think there might be a double up here or there,,

Just the different guys talking, or in other words, there is no difference? Just semantics, different people using different terminology. See though, that's where the question came from. The inspired word of God with different terminology in different places...I'm not so sure that I buy that. The more we study, the more gems we find in scripture. You've posted a lot of examples here and that use the different terminology. so to accept that it's all the same thing, is...perhaps dismissing a potential difference that could indicate that something deeper may be here.

Don't you guys misunderstand me, In no way am I suggesting that there is two different gospel messages. The gospel message is the gospel message, one for all. If there is a difference, what could it possibly indicate? Maybe something along the lines of, Kingdom administration?

Sort'a like...the seven heavens (or three depending on who you're reading, lol) . The number aside, there's indication of different levels, different functions of the different levels...along those lines. I don't know. I'm grasping here because I don't get it so am just tossing some stuff out there.

 

[Edward]

Hi Brother Edward, I believe in dispensations or ages manifest as God dealt with mankind; i.e, innocence, conscience, human government, promises, law, grace or church age, the millennial of kingdom age, and finally consummating with Eph 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness 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.

Now I have a study a study given by A.S. Copley says that “Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom, not the Gospel of the Church.”

Israel looked for an earthly kingdom, and had Israel received Jesus as their Savior the millennial reign of Christ may have begun. Instead, what is explained is that God sort of put a parenthesis in the progression in the plan of the ages and we read of the Apostle Paul brought on the scene.

in Eph 3:7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
Eph 3:8 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;
Eph 3:9 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:
Thus we began hearing of a heavenly kingdom, its promises, and rewards.

Now even the thief knew of Jesus’ kingdom according to Luk 23:42, And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom, but did he have any concept of being able to qualify for a heavenly kingdom reigning with Christ (2 Tim 2:12) , or becoming a joint heir with Jesus (Rom 8:17)?

No Sir, I'm not suggesting different gospels. I just have a hard time readily accepting tht they're the same, and yet every word is inspired by God and so consequently, there is no mistake, that it speaks of...something else. Because it uses different terms. We've all read things in scripture and what it said is so obviously this or that, just to find out years later, that there was a distinction.

 

[Edward]

Reading some bible commentaries in my bible, one gave an interpretation of the gospels to be spoken to different audiences. In that commentary it suggested that Mathew was written for Jewish people, to give the message to them. In accordance with Jewish tradition God's name is holy and to not be spoken of lightly. So the Kingdom of Heaven is used. Where as Mark and Luke might have been given to communities that were filled with more Gentiles and not as knowledgeable of Jewish custom.

Honestly I didn't like the idea of the gospels being shaped that way. Instead of being a much more literal account of Jesus's actions and words (the difference between Kingdom of Heaven, and Kingdom of God weren't the only things mentioned to suggest the gospels were shaped for the audiences and to better share the message of the Gospel); but the distinction of the two kingdom terms makes as much sence or more in that light then the few other theories I could grabble with.

Just passing on some thought on the matter. Though they are still new enough ideas for me that all I can do is pass it on. I don't know if I can endorse it or not, or if you should either.

Good answer, Brother. Yeah, I'm not endorsing anything yet, lol. I'm just wondering. Too many times we glass over scripture (knowing) that it means (whatever), only to find out later that exact terminology of the original texts shines a different light on the subject matter than the one we thought we knew before.

There may be something here. Your idea of it being perhaps intended for different audiences is plausible and I'm going to chew on that for a bit.

 

[Edward]

Part of getting to the bottom of this is Luke.

The Beatitudes in Matthew are presented to the disciples alone on the mountain top (almost without a parable). The conversation is about the inward man or the kingdom inside us (poor in spirit (low ego).

In Luke 6 the message changed to physically poor people (parables as the multitudes are taught as Jesus came down into the plain).

The kingdom of Heaven within us (internal / Pentecost).

The kingdom of God manifested in lives of people (external).

When you look at fruit they may tie together.
When you look st wolves you may see falsehood for what it is.

This is another of those difficult passages were welding glasses prevent perfect understanding.

eddif

Yeah, you see? That could be, Brother. Internal/external. Maybe. I'll chew on that too.

 

[Free]

Kingdom of God and kingdom of heaven mean the same thing.

 

[reba]

Just the different guys talking, or in other words, there is no difference? Just semantics, different people using different terminology. See though, that's where the question came from. The inspired word of God with different terminology in different places...I'm not so sure that I buy that. The more we study, the more gems we find in scripture. You've posted a lot of examples here and that use the different terminology. so to accept that it's all the same thing, is...perhaps dismissing a potential difference that could indicate that something deeper may be here.

Don't you guys misunderstand me, In no way am I suggesting that there is two different gospel messages. The gospel message is the gospel message, one for all. If there is a difference, what could it possibly indicate? Maybe something along the lines of, Kingdom administration?

Sort'a like...the seven heavens (or three depending on who you're reading, lol) . The number aside, there's indication of different levels, different functions of the different levels...along those lines. I don't know. I'm grasping here because I don't get it so am just tossing some stuff out there.

Your opinion is as valid as mine... to me when i read the scriptures they show me the Kingdom of God and Kingdom of Heaven are the same kingdom.. KofG and KofH have been are being used in attempts to divide God's people..

Are these different... Holy Ghost ? Holy Spirit ?