Kingdom Truth - What is the Kingdom of Heaven in the Bible?
Chapter 2, Part 2
The True Meaning of the Kingdom
The New Testament word "Kingdom" is taken from the Greek Septuagint and is a translation of the Hebrew word מלכות (malkuth) in the Old Testament. Originally, it has the meaning of "royal authority'', "kingship" and "kingdom" etc. This same word is also translated from the original as "sovereignty'' in David's Psalm: "His sovereignty rules over all." (Pss. 103:19) It is also translated as "Kingdom" in the verse sung by the sons of Korah: "and the glory of the majesty of Thy Kingdom" (Pss. 145:12). It is even translated as "reign" (1 Chr. 29:30). In the Greek New Testament, this word is often used with "heaven", "God" or "of God". It is also used to describe the "Kingdom of His beloved Son" (Col. 1:13)," a Kingdom which cannot be shaken" (Heb.12:28), "...the Kingdom which He promised to those who love Him" (Jas. 2:5) and "...eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ' (2 Pet. 1:11). Broadly speaking, whenever or wherever there is God's ruling power, the Kingdom is present (see Matt.12:28).
However, the common usage of the term Kingdom really refers to God's desire in the creation of man. Genesis 1:26 tells us two things. First of all, how God made man and secondly, why did God make man? He has a great purpose in making man and it is for man to rule over all that He has created. 'The fish of the sea and the birds of the sky..." are merely rhetorical means in the Hebrew language. In fact, they refer to all that God has made (Heb. 2:7, 8). Both Hebrew and Chinese languages are descriptive languages. So if someone feels that "the sun which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber" is unscientific, it merely shows his ignorance in literature!
God's purpose in making man is stated in this verse loud and clear. Unfortunately when we read the Scriptures, we look but often do not see! Why? It is just solid proof of our unbelief in God! We only believe in those portions of God's word that we think are possible. Those which we think are impossible, we do not believe. As a result, it is very difficult for us to see the impossible become the possible in the church! But please remember that everything God has planned and said will be realized one day because His faithfulness is unto all generations. His "kheh-sed" is forever! Hallelujah!
God wants us to rule over all that He has created. Why is it that we are so down trodden and helpless today? We all know that it is because our ancestor lost the rightful royal authority! All those who desire to rule over what God has created must be tested first and only when they qualify, they shall be chosen. Poor Adam, when he was tested, he flunked and, consequently, his descendants all have to suffer! (On the contrary, the gracious Lord was tested and He passed with flying colors. Praise the Lord!) Since then, the whole world is in the power of the evil one (1 John 5:19). Satan is the ruler of this world (John 14:30). All dominion and glory on earth have been handed over to him temporarily (Luke 4:6). If God permits, Satan has the authority to stir up people to kill each other, send tire to burn down forests, cause tornadoes to destroy cities and create human suffering through diseases! Usually, people think of all these as "acts of God", but in reality, they are controlled and manipulated by Satan with God's permission! (Job 1:13-19, 2:7) Therefore, we believers are sojourners in the territory of our enemy! Even so, we need not be afraid of harm because our gracious Lord has already told us "he has nothing in Me!" ·As long as we are in His hand, no one can snatch us out of His hand. Praise the Lord!
As mentioned before, everything that God has planned will be realized because He is the Almighty God. Since mankind's authority to reign is now lost, how can it be recovered? Thank God because what is impossible for man is possible with God! This is why Christ has to come to this world. He came not only to save the sinners but also for "the world to come". Thank God that there is a present world and a world to come! Thank God again that He has not subjected to angels the world to come but has subjected it to the unworthy man! How can man rule over all that He has created? It is by the crown of honor and glory granted by the gracious Lord. So through death, He rendered powerless the devil who had the power of death and took back everything. In the future, He will bring many sons to glory (Heb.2:10). The Lord will illumine them and they shall reign forever and ever (Rev. 22:5). Praise the Lord!
Chapter 2, Part 2
Shepherd His Sheep
