NTEB RADIO BIBLE STUDY: The Kingdom Of Heaven And The Kingdom Of God Are Not The Same

The differences between the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God is not some dry theological hair-splitting, it is one of the keys that unlocks the prophetic program of Israel and the mystery program of the Church. The kingdom of heaven points to that literal, visible, earthly reign promised to Israel, when the Lord Jesus Christ will sit upon the throne of David and rule the nations from Jerusalem. That is why the Millennial Temple of Ezekiel 40–48 belongs on the left side of the image at the top of this article: it is architectural, national, earthly, Jewish, prophetic, and future. It is Heaven’s government come down to the earth, with Israel restored, the King enthroned, and the nations brought under His righteous rule.“Therefore 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 (KJB)On this episode of Rightly Dividing, the kingdom of God, on the other hand, reaches beyond land, throne, temple, and nation, and speaks to the spiritual rule of God entered by the new birth and ultimately inherited in resurrection glory. That is why the Pretribulation Rapture of the Church belongs on the right side of the image, with a dividing line between the two of them. The Body of Christ is not waiting for Israel’s temple to be rebuilt in order to receive its hope, but for the Lord Himself to descend from Heaven and call us up. The kingdom of heaven is connected with Israel’s earthly promises; the kingdom of God includes the believer’s spiritual standing, righteousness, peace, joy in the Holy Ghost, and the coming glorification of the redeemed. Related, yes, Jesus is King over both kingdoms, but they are not identical. Rightly dividing these two kingdoms keeps Israel in her lane, the Church in hers, and the word of truth exactly where God put it. Rightly dividing is the key to understanding the scriptures.