The Kingdom of Heaven vs. The Kingdom of God
THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN VS. THE KINGDOM OF GOD
The Kingdom of Heaven (Ouranos) – a physical, literally, earthly kingdom; just as
heaven is physical, so is this kingdom. Only found in Matthew’s Gospel (33 times)
because it is a Jewish Gospel emphasizing the Son of Man and the literal, physical,
earthly kingdom; Reign over the physical realm, preached only to the Jews and will be
preached again by Jews during the tribulation. The kingdom of heaven is not referring to
the third heaven.
The Kingdom of God (Theos) – a spiritual kingdom, just like God is a Spirit (John 4:24),
so is this kingdom. Found throughout the New Testament emphasizing the Son of God
and a spiritual kingdom. Reign over the Spiritual Realm You enter the kingdom of God
by the new birth (John 3:3-5). The kingdom of God is you in the Holy Ghost and the
Holy Ghost in you, Christ in you and you in Christ.
*Though the exact phrases “kingdom of heaven” and “kingdom of God” do not occur
until the New Testament, both kingdoms existed in the past. They both began at the
creation of heaven and earth.
*Currently the devil has authority over the kingdoms of the earth (Luke 4:6-7, 2
Corinthians 4:4).
*Romans 11:28-30 The gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
*Both kingdoms were at hand during the Lord’s earthly ministry (Matthew 3:2, 4:17,
Mark 1:14-15).
Kingdom of Heaven
Luke 1:30-33 and Isaiah 9:6-7 The twofold work: Reinstating the kingdom back to Israel
(physical)
John 18:36 NOW his kingdom is not from here
Acts 1:1-12 Restore AGAIN the kingdom to Israel (obviously not referring to a spiritual
kingdom but an earthly kingdom)
Isaiah 41:2 Abraham was given the nations to him and the Lord made him rule over
kings
Only preached to the Jews (Matthew 10:5-7, Matthew 15:22-28), preached again during
the tribulation (Matthew 24:14).
Matthew 11:11-12 The kingdom of heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by
force
The Lord Jesus Christ will reign from Jerusalem over all the earth (Matthew 5:34-35)
Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth (see also Job 38:33)
Daniel 2:36-45 (the king of Babylon was called king of kings – so is the Lord Jesus
Christ)
Daniel 7:13-14, 18, 27-28 Earthly, visible kingdom which the saints shall possess for
ever
Zechariah 9:9-10 Dominion over the earth
Jeremiah 23:5-6 Christ reigning on earthThe Kingdom of Heaven vs. The Kingdom of God 2
Revelation 12:5 to rule the nations
Matthew 25:31 The Son of man and his throne of glory on earth
Kingdom of God
Matthew 1:20-21 The twofold work: Sin issue (spiritual)
Luke 17:20-21 and Colossians 1:26-27 Within you
Romans 14:17 You in him
Matthew 21:33-44 Kingdom of God given to the Gentiles to provoke the Jews to
jealousy because of their rejection of Christ and the kingdom. This is a finite amount of
time (Romans 11:25-26).
Luke 9:27
"Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom." -Matthew 16:28
"And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power." -Mark 9:1
"But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God." -Luke 9:27
Notice how the kingdom of Heaven is not mentioned here. It is specifically the kingdom of God or “kingdom.”
What happened here?
- Jesus was transfigured, face shined like the sun, raiment was white,
countenance altered.
- Jesus talked with Moses and Elias. Both Moses and Elias appeared in glory and
spake of his decease which he would accomplish at Jerusalem (Luke 9:30-32).
- From these Scriptures were it talks about some seeing “kingdom”, it is NOT
referring to the kingdom of heaven or the physical reign on Christ on earth, but
rather the kingdom of God, the spiritual reign of God.
- Also part of what they saw was Jesus transfigured, face shining, raiment white as
light or snow, and his countenance altered. What happens to us? (Read Daniel
12:1-3; Revelation 19:7-8; I Corinthians 15:49, 51-53; Philippians 3:20-21)
Those who are born again (John 3:3-8), will have something very similar happen to them. This is what the Apostles saw.