Ques. I would like some help as to the different Kingdoms mentioned in Scripture. Kingdom of Heaven (Matt. 26:2929But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom. (Matthew 26:29)); The Kingdom of God (Matt. 21:4343Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. (Matthew 21:43)): The Kingdom of Christ and of God (Eph. 5:55For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. (Ephesians 5:5)); The Kingdom of His Dear Son (Col. 1:1313Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: (Colossians 1:13)); Everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 1:1111For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:11)).
Ans. The “kingdom of heaven: and the “kingdom of God” are “in many respects identical, but the ‘kingdom of heaven’ occurs in the gospel by Matthew only, and stands in contrast to Messiah on earth. It refers to the rule of that which God has set in heaven, and commenced when Christ went to heaven. The ‘kingdom of God’ is more connected with the moral state established in man.”
“My Father’s kingdom” refers to the upper or heavenly part of the Millennial kingdom.
“The kingdom of God and of Christ” expresses the moral realm in which is found the will and presence of God and of Christ.
The “kingdom of His dear Son,” or “The Son of His Love,” refers to that moral sphere presided over by Christ as the Son of the Father in counsel and love.
“Everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,” refers to that eternity of blessing which shall be enjoyed in the presence of the glorified and victorious Christ.
Ans. All the Old Testament saints, with all believers of this present age, and all those who suffer martyrdom during the tribulation period, will reign with Christ, not on, but over the earth. Revelation 5:1010And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. (Revelation 5:10) should read, “And they shall reign over the earth.”
Ans. The Lord did say to His disciples amid all their failures, “Ye are they which have continued with Me in My temptations” (Luke 22:2828Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. (Luke 22:28)), where they could not impute faithfulness to themselves, He, knowing their hearts’ earnest desire to please Him, though hindered by weakness and all that belongs to the flesh, could say it of them.
We are His servants and His friends also. It is ours to serve in the intimacy of friends. And in glory “His servants shall serve Him” (Rev. 22:33And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: (Revelation 22:3)). No mixture of self in it then. But notice how Matt. 25:21,2321His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. (Matthew 25:21)
23His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. (Matthew 25:23), reads, “His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”