Posted on 12/04/2019 4:17:45 AM PST by metmom
“‘To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven’” (Matthew 13:11).
In the Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 6:10) we see two aspects of the kingdom of heaven. “On earth” refers to the present kingdom, mediated through God’s servants, and “in heaven” refers to God’s universal, direct reign.
Through the centuries the present kingdom has attracted both true and false citizens. Only God can infallibly distinguish true citizens (the redeemed) from false ones. Jesus shows that many branches that seem to belong to the vine actually do not. The spurious ones will be pruned away and thrown into the fire (John 15:2, 6). Such people only superficially identify with Christ but are never really citizens of the kingdom of heaven or part of the body of Christ. They appear to be true citizens only from an imperfect human perspective.
Paradoxically, Scripture uses terms such as Israel, God’s people, and disciples that can include both nominal and genuine believers. Paul does make it clear, however, that “he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart” (Rom. 2:29; cf. 9:6–7). Only at the very end of the age, when the eternal kingdom begins, will those who are true citizens of God’s kingdom be clear to everyone. (Even during the Millennium, when Christ directly rules on earth, there will be disloyal citizens; cf. Rev. 20:7–8.)
The only way now to ensure your kingdom citizenship is to repent, trust in Jesus Christ, and pursue the sanctification that new life in Him brings (cf. Mark 1:15).
Ask Yourself
What should churches do to discern and encourage those who are Christians in name only to put their faith in Christ wholeheartedly? Why do we tend to avoid dealing in touchy matters like these? And what is the result of our reticence?
Studying God’s Word ping
Why not create Heaven right here on earth?
The rally question of utopian progressives and socialists.
This approach is a huge mistake.
Rather simply joining heaven and earth in human activity is what its all about.
“kingdom of heaven. “
A good movie if you can overlook the Mooselimb good, Christian bad themes.
Some useful quotable lines too.
The Kingdom of God, of which Jesus Messiah is King, is situated in Heaven, is real, spiritual, and perfect (Hebrews 12:23), the Church of The Firstborn. It is comprised only of those souls, living or physically dead, who have been saved by genuine total irrevocable commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ, and are regenerated by new birth in the Spirit.
Here is a link to a chart which summarizes the differences between them:
by Dr. Fred Wittman (click here)
(courtesy Happy Heralds, Inc.).
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.