These are removed, or gathered “out”of His Kingdom

[Marilyn C]

11 hours ago, FJK said:

The Bible talks about both the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven.

I never really thought about it before and just sort of equated them, but are these the same thing or different things?

Hi FJK,

A very perceptive question. 

The term the Kingdom of Heaven is only mentioned in Matthew which is the gospel to the Jews. It reveals their King, Jesus and His rule through Israel in the millennium. This is what the parables are all about, Jesus` rulership promised to the Jews. Jesus came to confirm the promises to them. (Rom.15: 8)

The term `the kingdom (rule) of heaven, was well known by the Jews for the prophet Daniel told them of it. In Dan. 2: 44, we read - the God of heaven will set up a kingdom ...` Jesus shortened that to the kingdom (rule) of heaven. In Dan. 7: 27 we read that the kingdom (rule) of heaven will be given to the people of Israel to rule over the nations of the world.

The term the kingdom (rule) of God refers to the whole of God`s great kingdom, (realms & rulership). It is used in the other gospels for they were written to the Romans, (Mark) to the Greeks (nations) (Luke) and all, (John). And those people will not be given the rulership of heaven over the nations, only Israel will.

[Marilyn C]

18 hours ago, Stewardofthemystery said:

I was writing another study and I came across a verse of scripture that I have read hundreds of times, but something this time stuck out to me.

Notice what Jesus says about removing “out of His Kingdom”

Matthew 13:41

“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;”

 

Notice Jesus is talking about removing  out of “His Kingdom”

 

 

Notice the timing here is the same as in Matt. 24: 30 & 31,  37 - 41 when the Lord comes in power and great glory. He sends His angels to gather the elect, Israel and then take out the lawless ones - one taken away and the other left. This is like the days of Noah when some were taken away in the flood and some left. 

The kingdom (rule) there is referring to the Lord`s rulership through Israel in the millennium.

[farouk]

Given the strong teaching on eternal security and assurance, as found in Romans 8, John's First Epistle, etc., I don't see how these verses can truly be teaching a 'saved today, lost tomorrow' theology.

Paul says in Philippians 1.6: "He that hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ'.

[Stewardofthemystery]

4 hours ago, Marilyn C said:

Hi Steward,

When Jesus said His kingdom was not of this world, He was talking about His rulership, which no one on earth could give Him, only the Father. Remember that Jesus is part of the Godhead and thus owns the whole world, it is His kingdom/rulership. 

Yes, but if a person is born again from above by the Holy Spirit and Christ is reigning “in them” then the Kingdom of God also dwells “in them” even while they are still on this earth.

Luke 17:21

Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is “within”you.

 

John 17:16

They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

[FJK]

5 hours ago, Marilyn C said:

The term the kingdom (rule) of God refers to the whole of God`s great kingdom, (realms & rulership). It is used in the other gospels for they were written to the Romans, (Mark) to the Greeks (nations) (Luke) and all, (John). And those people will not be given the rulership of heaven over the nations, only Israel will.

This leads to some interesting thinking on Luke 17:21 where Jesus told the Pharisees that the " ..... God’s kingdom is within you." after they inquired about when God's kingdom would come.

[Stewardofthemystery]

1 hour ago, farouk said:

Given the strong teaching on eternal security and assurance, as found in Romans 8, John's First Epistle, etc., I don't see how these verses can truly be teaching a 'saved today, lost tomorrow' theology.

Paul says in Philippians 1.6: "He that hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ'.

There is security as long as one abides in the faith, but if one departs from the faith back into a life of sin, they can fall back unto perdition.

Hebrews 10:26-31

King James Version

26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

 

[Stewardofthemystery]

6 hours ago, Marilyn C said:

to the Greeks (nations) (Luke) and all, (John). And those people will not be given the rulership of heaven over the nations, only Israel will.

Revelation 5:9-10

⁹ And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of “every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;”

¹⁰ And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and “we shall reign on the earth.”

For they are not “all Israel,”which are “of” Israel:

⁷ Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they “all”children:

 

[farouk]

4 hours ago, Stewardofthemystery said:

There is security as long as one abides in the faith, but if one departs from the faith back into a life of sin, they can fall back unto perdition.

Hebrews 10:26-31

King James Version

26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

 

Of them it could be said that they never truly believed; because God finishes and preserves what He starts; Philippians 1.6; Romans 8.38-39; 1 John 5.4-5

[Stewardofthemystery]

7 minutes ago, farouk said:

Of them it could be said that they never truly believed; because God finishes and preserves what He starts; Philippians 1.6; Romans 8.38-39; 1 John 5.4-5

Jesus said some would believe for awhile, but in time of temptation they would fall away from the faith.

Luke 8:13

They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

[farouk]

2 minutes ago, Stewardofthemystery said:

Jesus said some would believe for awhile, but in time of temptation they would fall away from the faith.

Luke 8:13

They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

Indeed; and as the Puritans would say, such was not permanent faith; it was never lasting, permanent, saving faith.