SEMESTER 6
182 – The Future State of the Kingdom
BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE
COURSE: THEOLOGY VI LESSON # 82
ESCHATOLOGY – THE KINGDOM OF GOD – THE FUTURE STATE OF THE KINGDOM
Read: Mat. 6:8-13
INTRODUCTION:
1. Let me review some verses to re-establish some previously established truths.
i. Matthew 12:28 teaches that the kingdom came unto Israel.
ii. Matthew 21:31 teaches that the kingdom was to be taken from them.
iii. This verse implies that it was more than offered, it was given.
iv. Acts 1:6 clearly teaches, by implication, restoration to Israel.
2. Compositely these passages assure us that the kingdom was, and is, and shall be.
3. Moreover, it assures us it shall be something it is not.
I. THE NATURE OF THIS FUTURE KINGDOM
1. A kingdom where God’s will, will be done in earth, relatively as it is in heaven.
2. A kingdom of physical conduct and awareness. (Mat. 8:11)
3. An earthly kingdom where we shall eat and drink the fruits of the earth. (Lk. 14:15, Mat. 26:29, Lk. 22:16, Lk. 26:30)
II. THE ISSUES OF CONTROVERSY
1. Not whether there shall be a future kingdom, or whether Christ shall actually reign.
2. Rather, the issues lie in two areas:
i. Where shall this kingdom be – earth or heaven?
ii. When – after or before the return of Christ?
3. There are three basic schools of eschatological thought: A, Post, and Pre-millennialism.
III. A-MILLENNIALISM: NO MILLENNIUM (1,000 YEAR REIGN ON EARTH)
1. As in pre and post there are certain variations within the amillennial school.
2. Contrary to much thought, they do not deny the literal return of Christ or His absolute kingdom.
3. Their basic denials are as follow:
i. The earthly restoration of National Israel.
ii. The literality of the 1,000 year description in Revelation 20.
iii. That this reign of Christ is here on this planet.
IV. POST-MILLENNIALISM: CHRIST RETURNS AFTER THE MILLENNIUM
1. Again there are variations of thought, but the essence of post-millennialism is this:
i. That the millennial kingdom shall be brought in by Christ through the church.
ii. That the earth is presently being converted (in measure) to, and prepared for Christ’s presence.
iii. That His kingdom, which is being progressively brought in, will be received (essentially intact) by Him when He returns.
V. PRE-MILLENNIALISM: CHRIST RETURNS BEFORE THE MILLENNIUM
1. There is as much or more variation of details here as among the others, but the basics are these:
i. That while Christ is calling out His sheep, the earth will grow progressively evil and anti-Semitic.
ii. That He will suddenly return and conquer His enemies, through a violent, militant action.
iii. He will then set up a literal 1,000 year reign upon this earth, in which national Israel shall have a particular place of preeminence.
VI. OUR APPROACH TO THE ISSUES
1. Realize that the issue does not lie between wise men and fools, or Bible believers and modernists.
2. Approach the subject, not from a few eschatological proof texts, but by applying the kingdom information we have assembled.
3. Approach it humbly and with a student’s spirit, not seeking to vindicate individuals.
4. First seeking to know we are in, and are seeking the advancement of His kingdom, in its present stage. Accountability of the wicked and slothful. (Lk. 19:20-27)
5. He “feared” in the sense of unbelief, disbelieved his ownership and goodness to reward. (Heb. 11:6)
6. This is the unavoidable King of kings and every man in His creation must give account.
7. If you will not submit to His reign, you are His enemy, (Lk. 19:27) and shall be punished.
8. If you are like the heathen of Psalm 2:1-3, God’s decree is Psalm 2:6-9, and your exhortation is Psalm 2:11-12.