170 – General Facts about the Kingdom “4”

BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE

COURSE: THEOLOGY V LESSON # 70

ESCHATOLOGY – THE KINGDOM OF GOD – GENERAL FACTS ABOUT THE KINGDOM # 4

INTRODUCTION:

1. My present direction of presentation is to assemble and present simple and obvious facts.
2. When we have done this, we will be much better prepared to draw accurate conclusions and biblical pronouncements.

III: By some of the complicated and obviously wrong or inadequate statements commonly made.

3. We have, up until now, established these simple and very obvious Bible facts:

(1) It is a common New Testament theme,
(2) It is the message of all New Testament Preachers,
(3) It is total in tenses,
(4) It is spiritual,
(5) It is physical,
(6) It is mysterious,
(7) It is partial and intermingled,
(8) The premium attribute is subjection,
(9) Its citizens are poor in spirit,
(10) Its citizens are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
(11) Its citizens are the salt and light,
(12) Its citizens love God’s law,
(13) It has more claimants than citizens.

VI. MEN ARE RESPONSIBLE TO SEEK ENTRANCE – (LUK 13:24 )

1. Very often this is presented as an option to men, if they wish to better themselves.
2. It comes across thus: “Make Him King of your life.” This is foolishness.
3. He is King, you are invited to come and take freely, but you are also commanded to bow down.
4. When sinners come to Christ, they are entering the Kingdom of God.

VII. IT IS RESISTED, NOT SOUGHT BY NATURAL MEN (MAT. 22:1-6 )

1. Now there is a sense in which they always seek it. (Mat. 11:12

and Jn. 6:15

)
2. But seeking to take charge of it is quite different from seeking to enter.
3. Typical reaction of men to the Gospel of the kingdom is seen in Mat. 22:3

, Mat. 22:5-6

and in Lk. 19:11-14

.
4. These wanted the kingdom, but resisted it, because they hated the king.
5. They with one consent make excuse, (Lk. 14:15-24

) but the reason is Lk. 19:14

VIII. IT MAY BE SOUGHT AND NOT ENTERED – (LK. 13:24 )

1. Because men seek to have the kingdom without the king. (The strait gate)
2. Because they will not enter on the terms offered by the King.

IX. ONE CAN ONLY ENTER BY FREE GRACE

1. The terms are clearly set forth in Mat. 22:4

. It is prepared.
2. It is a kingdom for those who seek righteousness, not just entrance. (Mat. 5:6

and Heb. 1:8

)
3. The whole basis is unperceivable, except by free grace.

X. THOSE WHO ENTER BY CHRIST ARE ETERNALLY SAFE (JN. 10:9 AND JN. 10:26-29 )

1. Do not doubt that this context is kingdom related, every issue about His identity was.
2. He sums up the conduct and destiny of His subjects thusly:

i. If they enter by Him, they are saved and safe. (Jn. 10:9

)
ii. His sheep will hear His voice and follow. (Jn. 10:27

)
iii. His sheep shall never perish. (Jn. 10:28

)
iv. It is the Father’s purpose, plan and power that keep. (Jn. 10:29

)

3. I ask you now, have you really entered? If not, will you not hear His voice and come in.

Berean Baptist Church