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[david psalms]

File Name: Grant, F W - The Mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven Droid MySword Version
File Submitter: david psalms
File Submitted: 03 Nov 2012
File Category: Books
Author: F W Grant

There is perhaps no term in Scripture so largely used and so little understood as that of "the kingdom of heaven." Yet its importance must be (in some measure at least,) proportionate to the frequency of its use. It is only, indeed, one book — the Gospel of Matthew, — in which it is found, though there thirty-one times; but the kindred expression, "the kingdom of God," is used much more extensively, and in some parables in other Gospels is found in its stead. Taken together, these expressions have a very large place in the New Testament, and their interpretation will correspondingly affect a great deal of Scripture. I propose, therefore, a serious examination of the doctrine of the kingdom as covered by these terms, and to inquire as to the practical bearing of the doctrine also, which assuredly there must be, for "all Scripture is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."

"The kingdom of heaven" is a New Testament term, then; but it has its roots in the Old Testament. The idea is found in the germ in Daniel, in the prophet's words to Nebuchadnezzar, who, effectually humbled by his durance among the beasts, should learn by it that "the heavens do rule" (Dan_4:26). This is expanded afterward into the thought that "the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will" (v. 32). Here we have but the idea, however, — the rule of God, supreme necessarily over men. Here there is no thought of a special, limited, dispensational kingdom. This "dominion," as the king himself says, "is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation" (v. 34).

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