Kingdom of Heaven Predicted
The Scriptures foretold that God would set up an everlasting kingdom:
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the GOVERNMENT
shall be upon his shoulder . . . to order it, and to establish it. Isaiah
9:6-7
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
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
But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the
kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever. Daniel 7:18
And the kingdom . . . shall be GIVEN TO THE PEOPLE OF THE SAINTS of the
most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. Daniel 7:27
Kingdom Arrives
Jesus began His public ministry urging men to turn from sin and unto God:
The TIME IS COME, and the kingdom of God is at hand, repent and believe
the gospel. Mark 1:15
And it fortuned after that, that he himself (Jesus) went throughout
cities and towns, preaching, and showing the kingdom of God, and the twelve
with him. Luke 8:1
Government of Service
Jesus explained that in the governments of the world, men lord it over other
men. But those in His Kingdom are not to participate in such activities. In His
government, we serve one another:
The kings of the gentiles reign over them, and they that bear rule over
them, are called gracious lords. BUT YE SHALL NOT BE SO. But he that is
greatest among you, shall be as the youngest: and he that is chief, shall be
as the minister. Luke 22:25-26
Kingdom Handed to Apostles
About the year 33 A.D., Jesus Christ handed the Kingdom of Heaven to his
followers at Jerusalem as prophesied at Daniel 2:44 and 7:27:
I APPOINT UNTO YOU A KINGDOM, as my Father hath appointed to me: that ye
may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on seats, and judge the
twelve tribes of Israel. Luke 22:29-30
Jesus Dies for His Nation
Less than 24 hours after delegating His Father's Government to the apostles,
the kingdoms of this world crucified our King. By shedding His blood, a nation
was born.
As soon as Jesus had received of the vinegar, he said: IT IS FINISHED,
and bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. John 19:30
Jesus Predicts Kingdom of God
At the Last Supper, Jesus predicted that He would eat and drink with the
apostles in the Kingdom of God:
And he said unto them: I have inwardly desired to eat this Easter lamb
with you before that I suffer. For I say unto you: henceforth, I will not eat
of it anymore, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. And he took the
cup, and gave thanks, and said. Take this, and divide it among you. For I say
unto you: I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, UNTIL THE KINGDOM OF GOD
BE COME. (Luke 22:15-18).
Confirmation of the Kingdom
Then Jesus rose from the dead, and He did "eat" and "drink" with the
apostles. This act confirmed that the kingdom of God had truly come.
And we are witnesses of all things which he did in the land of the Jews
and at Jerusalem, whom they slew, and hung on a tree. Him God raised up the
third day, and showed him openly, not to all the people, but unto us witnesses
chosen before of God, WHICH ATE AND DRANK WITH HIM, after he arose from death.
(Acts 10:39-43)
God's Government Now Available
Fifty days later, the Holy Spirit fell upon Christ's followers at Jerusalem.
Receiving power from on High, the apostles continued in their Master's steps,
preaching the glad tidings of God's government:
Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for
the remission (forgiveness) of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the holy
ghost. Acts 2:38.
Then came Philip into a city of Samaria and preached Christ unto them. .
. . And there was great joy in that city. . . . as soon as they believed
Philip's preaching of the kingdom of God and of the name of Jesus Christ, they
were baptized both men and women. Acts 8:5,8,12.
The law and the prophets reigned until the time of John: and since that
time, the kingdom of God is preached, and every man striveth to go in. Luke
16:16.
Incorporated in Christ
Jesus is God (John 1:1-14). From Him we receive our life:
Jesus said unto him: I am the way, the truth and the life. And no man
cometh unto the father, but by me. John 14:6
I am the vine, and ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in
him, the same bringeth forth much fruit. For without me can ye do nothing.
John 15:5
Code of Conduct
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew Chapters 5 - 7) describes a new and Living
Way that was from the beginning. The Code of Conduct is summed up in the Golden
Rule:
Therefore whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, even so do ye
to them. This is the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12
This is my commandment, that ye love together as I have loved you.
John 15:12
Seeking God's Government First
The first priority of our lives is to seek His Kingdom:
Therefore take no thought saying: what shall we eat, or what shall we
drink, or wherewith shall we be clothed? After all these things seek the
Gentiles. For your heavenly father knoweth that ye have need of all these
things. But rather SEEK YE FIRST the kingdom of heaven and the righteousness
thereof, and all these things shall be ministered unto you. Matthew 6:31-33
Come, follow Me
Make the decision now to enter His Kingdom and begin the journey as citizens
of Heaven.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
John 10:27
Fear not little flock, for it is your father's pleasure, to give you a
kingdom. Luke 12:32
