Since the predominant theme of the whole Bible is the kingdom ofGod, it is extremely important for us to understand the proper meaningof the word “kingdom” and have a clear definition of the phrase “thekingdom of God.”
Many Christian scholars believe that the English word “kingdom” isnot a very good translation of the original word in Greek. The realmeaning of the original word translated “kingdom” in our English Bibleis ‘sovereign rule or reign.’ As a result, the word “kingdom of God”should be more accurately translated ‘the sovereign rule of God.’ Wewill of course continue using the word “kingdom,” but we must keep itsdeeper meaning in mind. What must be conveyed is the sovereignty ofGod.
T. Austin Sparks has rightly attributed three aspects to the kingdom:
1) It is the sovereign rule of God.
2) It is according to an order of things which takes its character from God.
3) It is a realm where His order and nature freely operate and are expressed. Wecan enter this realm, but not apart from the other two aspects. SoGod’s kingdom is where God rules sovereignly, according to an orderwhich expresses His character, and in a realm where everything operatesaccording to His nature.
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