Larry A. Smail's Blog

A Study of the Gospel of the Kingdom. This is ten-page study.

Larry A. Smail

A most important aspect with studying and understanding the Bible concerns much about the kingdom. The origins of the kingdom travels very far into the past of Israel’s history. The, pre-Hebrew, history of the kingdom is found with the Abrahamic Covenant between the Lord and the man, Abram. (Abram would be later called Abraham.)

In Genesis 12: 2-3 this covenant’s details are found. A covenant is a promise from God. The Lord said to Abraham, “And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great, and thou shalt will be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee and curse him who curseth thee; and in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed.”

Let us break the covenant’s words down for this study. Through Abraham’s descendants, a great nation would be formed. This great nation would become the nation of Israel. A nation, in Biblical terms, would be a kingdom. A most important, and usually overlooked truth is in the last line of the covenant. Through Abraham’s descendants all nations of the earth shall be blessed. This prophetic blessing would become the option to believe in Christ for salvation. Christ would come through the nation of Israel and be that blessing upon mankind.

In Genesis 15: 18-20, the Lord told Abraham of the kingdom’s land area. This is referred to as the Promised Land for Israel and the area for Israel’s future kingdom.

Abraham’s son, and grandson, were given the same covenant. These men were Isaac and Jacob. The latter’s name would be changed to Israel. (Genesis 32: 28.) Israel (Jacob) would have twelve sons and through a series of events would migrate and settle into the land of Egypt. The twelve tribes over the many years would become a great number of people. (See Genesis 37- 50 for story.)

Years later, the children of Israel would exit Egypt and in a very short time were offered another promise from the Lord. Exodus 19: 5-6 is an EXTREMELY IMPORTANT OFFER OF A KINGDOM. The offer, “…if you obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, ye shall be a peculiar treasure above all peoples: for all the earth is mine: and ye shall be unto me a KINGDOM of priests and a holy nation.”  

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NOTE: In Isaiah 49:6, “…I (God) will also give thee (Israel) as a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.” These scriptural words forIsrael’s purpose is why Christ told the disciples in Matthew 28:19…”Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”  The apostles were to work towards having Israel believe and accept Christ as their Promised One before Israel as priests would go to all nations as this light.

Let us break these covenants down, too. The Hebrew people were given an offer to become that great nation first heard about with Abraham. They would become God’s Chosen People and a nation, or kingdom of priests, to go before all Gentile nations. However, the Hebrew people were to listen and obey. In Exodus 19: 8, the people responded, “All that the Lord hath spoken we will do.” The nation of Israel was born. Exodus 20 begins with the laws from the Lord for the newly formed nation of the Chosen People, the Hebrews. However, in a very short time the people forgot their part of the promise with terrible behavior and the worshipping of the golden calf. (Exodus 32)

At Kadesh-barnea the Hebrew people would reject, through their unbelief, God’s words to enter into the Promised Land leading to a forty year time in the wilderness in total. No kingdom yet! (See Numbers 13-14 about this event’s details.)

Under Joshua, the Hebrew people would begin to enter into the Promised Land and expel the heathen, pagan Gentile nations. (Joshua 3) After Joshua’s passing the time of Judges would occur. The judges were actually  the various people of leadership to deliver the Israelite people back into God’s promise.

The prophet Samuel was such a man. Under his time of leadership, the Hebrew people, unfortunately, began demanding to have a king like the Gentile nations. The prophet tried to dismiss their demand but eventually the Lord  agreed to give them a king. The people were told of what would happen with a king. A man named Saul was chosen to became king over Israel. (1 Samuel 8, 9, 10.)

Saul began his reign humble enough but during a needed burnt offering event the king became impatient while waiting for Samuel’s arrival for the burnt offering. (1 Samuel 13: 8-14) The king acting in an unlawful manner conducted the offering against the conditions stated in the law of Moses. (Leviticus 1: 11-17) Samuel was

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extremely upset as was the Lord. Saul was told his house, or lineage, would not continue and David  would become the king over Israel.  The kingdom was lost to Saul  and would be set up for David in the near future. (See 1 Samuel 13: 13-14 and 2 Samuel 3:10.)

Why is David’s kingship important to us today? In 2 Samuel 7: 12-13, scripture states the following speaking of David. “When thy days be fulfilled and thou shalt sleep with your fathers,(Die) I will set up thy seed after thee, who shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his KINGDOM. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his KINGDOM FOREVER.” This is a prophetic reference pertaining of Christ’s coming from David’s lineage and establishing a kingdom lasting forever. In 2 Samuel 7: 16, the Lord continued by repeating this important promise, “And your house (David’s lineage) and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever.

Prior to his death, David decided for his son, Solomon to reign upon his passing. (1 Kings 1: 28-30)

King Solomon began his years of kingship favorably, even requested wisdom from the Lord over all things. In 1 Kings 2: 26, scriptures states the kingdom was established to Solomon. However, his reign would begin to corrupt. He used forced labor and raised taxes very high becoming a form of bondage to the Jews. Solomon would, also, have many, many wives from pagan countries. The king was reminded of the result if Israel, and he, turned aside from the Lord. (See 1 Kings 9: 4-9 for details.) Their influence would lead to him becoming involved in pagan worship. (See 1 Kings 11: 9-13.) He would lose favor with the Lord in many ways especially for turning away from the Lord to worship pagan gods. The king had one notable accomplishment being the construction of the temple in Jerusalem. (See 1 Kings 5-8.) The temple was dedicated around 1004 B.C. ( See 1 Kings 8.)  The Jews in future years would yearn for the Israel’s glory days under King Solomon while under various Gentile oppressions.

Solomon, as well as Saul and David never reached the kingdom land size as promised by the Lord to Abraham. There was much turmoil and disobedience within the nation to complete the goal. However, Israel had their kings and a kingdom but without the complete promise being fulfilled. Israel was in decline already and getting worse very soon.

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The Divided Kingdom

King Solomon would die leaving the kingship to a son named Rehoboam. The nation of Israel became so divided with this new king for he would not lessen the burdens of his father upon the Jews. (See 1 Kings 12 for details.) Turmoil was the result allowing for Jeroboam to become king of the ten northern tribes. Jeroboam was a son of Solomon, but from a different mother. This land area continued to be known as Israel. The two southern tribes, under Rehoboam, retained the southern land area and became known as Judah or later Judea. Both kings came to power around 975 B.C. and civil war increased between the twelve tribes. Constant failings with the various kings of Israel and Judah continued for years. There were a few God-fearing kings, but not enough to lead and keep the people in a righteous way of life. Jeroboam reinstituted calf worship. (1 Kings 12: 25-33)

Major changes would be coming to the nations of Israel and Judah. In 721 B.C. the ten northern tribes succumbed to the Assyrian military. (2 Kings 17 ) Judah would fall to the Babylonian Empire by 586 B.C. Jerusalem would be razed and the temple destroyed. (2 Kings 24-25.) In both defeats the people were either killed or carried off into captivity. Forget about the forever kingdom anytime soon! Many years into the future the gospel of the kingdom will, once again, be heard in Israel.

The Times of the Prophets

In the years prior to the defeat of all the Jews and into their years of captivity, a number of prophets emerged to tell Israel’s future. Some of the best known prophets of Israel are: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel.

Isaiah wrote prophecy of a coming Messiah King. His words are often read during the Christmas season, but the words werewritten to Israel.

Isaiah 9: 6-7 states: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom… to establish it with judgement from henceforth even for ever…”

The important prophecy to understand with Isaiah’s words are they were addressed to Israel. (The “us” here is Israel. Remember the man was a prophet of Israel

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 writing about Israel.) This kingdom from David’s lineage will be a perfect government of peace and this kingdom will be forever under the kingship reign of Christ.

Kingdom Words From the Prophet Daniel

The prophet Daniel wrote much on this futuristic kingdom. These prophecies occurred while Daniel was in captivity after the 586 B.C. defeat of Judea. For instance, King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream of a great image with different metals representing Gentile nations over Israel. The metals were gold to iron and mirey clay. In this dream, a stone not cut out by man struck the image at the feet pulverizing it into dust. The king was troubled, and Daniel told him what his dream meant. The details of this event can be viewed in Daniel 2: 31-44.

So, for our study purposes, Daniel in verse forty-four states in the days of these Gentile kings the God of heaven will set up a KINGDOM WHICH SHALL NEVER BE DESTROYED, NOR SHALL ITS SOVEREIGNTY BE LEFT TO ANOTHER PEOPLE.  IT SHALL BREAK INTO PIECES ALL THESE KINGDOMS AND BRING THEM TO AN END, AND IT SHALL STAND FOREVER. (Compare with Isaiah 9:6-7.)  This time begins at Christ’s second coming. The Stone represents Christ removing the evil kingdoms.

King Nebuchadnezzar’s words say much. In Daniel 4: 3 the king spoke of the Lord. “How great are his signs, how mighty are his wonders! HIS KINGDOM IS AN EVERLASTING KINGDOM, and his dominion is from generation to generation.” The king repeats these words in part in Chapter 4: 34.

The Coming of John the Baptist

Many, many years had passed. The nation of Israel had not been a sovereign nation for generations. They were under the thumb of Rome at the time of John the Baptist. Israel had not been a sovereign nation since the nation became divided immediately after the death of King Solomon.  The Jewish people are still anticipating  their kingdom glory days as were told by the prophets those many years ago. They were an oppressed people.

A man known as John the Baptist arrived on the scene preaching the kingdom was at hand.  This was an important event. The Jews were excited to hear and gathered around John to listen. John’s message was to repent of their sins and be baptized,

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purified, or cleansed according to Mosaic Law in preparation of the kingdom. Of course, the Jews realized to have their kingdom reinstalled a king would be needed, and the Romans would be required to exit Israel. They had hope! Jesus was to be the King of this kingdom if the Jews could believe in him.

Christ came to John and was baptized as per Jewish law. Jesus needed to be baptized although he himself had no sin. This requirement was due to the need to be cleansed or purified to be a priest. He had reached the thirty year of age, too, another requirement of the Jews for priesthood.

The Gospel Of the Kingdom

Read Jesus’ words in the first four books of the New Testament. He talks much of the kingdom and the need for the nation of Israel to believe. I have stated in the past where readers of the Bible may wish to underline every place the words of a kingdom are in print. You will be amazed of the importance of this kingdom to Christ and the Jews. This message of Christ was the GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM or the GOOD NEWS OF THE KINGDOM.

The Bible states in Matthew 4: 17 of Jesus preaching the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Also, in Matthew 4:23, scripture states Jesus preached in the synagogues of the GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM. This message began immediately at the start of his ministry.

The Bible records again of Jesus preaching the GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM  in Matthew 9:35. These verses shown here, during Christ’s ministry, are the first to state the actual words; GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM.

To tie all this in and the Old Testament words of the kingdom we mustremember Paul’s words to the Gentiles describing Jesus as a minister to the Jews to fulfill the promises to the patriarchs. (See Romans 15: 8 for complete wording.)

However, the Jews rejected Jesus’ kingdom message. He would be crucified and become the sacrificial Lamb. More importantly Christ would be raised after three days and three nights. Believing on these two facts today grant forgiveness of sins and eternal salvation through faith because of believing. The kingdom could have been reality if the Jews would have believed.

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The Lord’s Prayer

Jesus, in Matthew 5: 1, was talking to the apostles. The apostles asked Christ how they should pray. Jesus’ words here are heard everywhere at church services today. (See Matthew 6: 9-10.) He gave them much direction during this time alone with them as recorded in Matthew five, six and seven.

“Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be they name. Thy KINDOM come, and thy will be done even in earth as it is in heaven…and thine is the KINGDOM … and the glory FOREVER.” I imagine the vast majority have never read or prayed these words with a proper mindset. Jesus’ prayer was responding to the apostles in regard to the prophesized earthly kingdom and the kingdom that will last forever. Israel could have had this kingdom in place if they would not have rejected Christ during his ministry on earth or after the resurrection. Then they would become the LIGHT of Isaiah 49: 6!

Israel’s Final Chance to Believe (For now)

Prior to Christ’s ascension to glory he spent forty days on earth preaching the GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM. (See Acts 1: 3.) The believers had come together, and Jesus was asked , “Lord, will you at this time restore the KINGDOM TO ISRAEL?”   This, of course, is still referring to the earthly kingdom. Jesus told them it was not for them to know the timing. He ascended to glory!

The task for the disciples, after the ascension, was to preach the GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM to THE JEWS. Peter said to those Jews, of the requirements beginning at his sermon at Pentecost. He said in Acts 2: 38, “Repent, and be baptized EVERYONE of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins…” Peter was addressing these words to the Jews! Following Peter’s words would have opened the doors to this forever kingdom; however, Israel would continue to reject the message as a nation and after Stephen’s murder the country began into decline. Any chance for the kingdom to occur at this time was about zero. The Lord would be getting his word to the Gentiles via another route without Israel. BUT… the kingdom promise is still in place and Israel will be involved again at the time of the tribulation. As Christ spoke; the kingdom will be preached throughout the nations and then the end of the age will come.

Some Words From Paul and the Heavenly Kingdom

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Stephen’s murder was a turning point, and the Lord would be using Paul to take the word to the Gentiles in place of Israel and that holy nation potential. Paul spoke of the kingdom, but obviously more on the spiritual heavenly kingdom.

Some examples of his words are: Colossians 1: 12-14 where Paul writes to his Gentile believers. He wrote, “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light, who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son, in whom we have redemption through his blood, that is, the forgiveness of sins.”

Romans 14: 17: “For the kingdom of God, is not meat or drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Compare with Colossians 2:16-17.)

The apostle of the Gentiles wrote in 1 Corinthians 15: 24 concerning the assurance of resurrection the following: “And then comes the end, when he (Christ) have delivered up the kingdom of God even the Father, when he shall have put down all rule and every authority and power.”

In the prophetic book of 1 Thessalonians 2:12, Paul reminded the Gentiles believers of the gospel of Grace (Verse nine) of being called into his own kingdom and glory. Also, in 2 Thessalonians 1:5, Paul recorded, “Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgement of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God…”  How is righteousness attained from scripture? Faith and belief in the cross and resurrection during this time and present dispensation.

Paul, in 2 Timothy 4: 1, wrote of the Lord Jesus Christ judging at his appearing, and in his kingdom. Also, in verse eighteen, Paul wrote, “…the Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom…”

I believe, Paul wrote the Book of Hebrews to believing Jews regarding their need of faith only. This belief stems from Peter’s words in 2 Peter 3: 15 where the disciple wrote of the wisdom of our believed brother Paul and the epistles written to the believing Jews.

Hebrews 1: 8: “But unto the Son he saith, O God, thy throne is FOREVER and Ever: the scepter of thy kingdom is a scepter of righteousness.” Jacob (Israel) said to Judah that the scepter shall not part from Judah… Christ came from the

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tribe of Judah. King’s had scepters so, at the handing out of blessings, we see in clear prophetic words of a forever kingdom. (Genesis 49: 10) In chapter 12 verse twenty-eight, Paul wrote, “Wherefore seeing we receive a kingdom, which cannot be shaken (Forever) let us have grace whereby we may serve God…”

NOTE: In Acts 20:24, Paul wrote of receiving his ministry form the Lord Jesus to testify solemnly of the GOSPEL of the GRACE OF GOD. (Not kingdom gospel)

Apostles’ Kingdom Talk Towards Believing Jews

Peter wrote in 2 Peter 1: 11  the following: “…an entering shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”  His words were to the believing Jews who had been dispersed. (See 1 Peter 1: 1, 2 Peter 3: 1.)

Thy Kingdom Come, But When?

So, when will the forever and everlasting kingdom promised those many, many years ago to Abraham finally happen? The answer is: during Christ’s second advent. Daniel’s seventieth week of the 490 year prophecy. There is to be sealed for protection 144,000 Jews, twelve-thousand from each tribe.  (Revelation 7 and 14) This time is often referred to as the tribulation period and consists of seven years. These protected Jews will go about telling any who care to listen that the kingdom is at hand. This is, once again, the GOSPEL or GOOD NEWS OF THE KINGDOM! This is the very same message that John the Baptist, Christ and the apostles preached about those many years ago.

At the conclusion of those terrible years Christ the Promised One, or the Stone of Daniel 2, will return in glory to stop mankind’s evil upon the earth and usher in the thousand-year millennial kingdom reign on earth setting on the throne in Jerusalem. (Revelation 20, 21) The twelve apostles are to rule over the twelve tribes of Israel when Christ’s kingdom is ushered into place. (Matthew 19: 27)

Zechariah tells the story of the surviving Jews of that time. He wrote, of Christ, as a prophet of Israel, in Zechariah 12: 10: “I (God) will pour upon the house of David (Israel)…the Spirit of grace and compassion, and they (Jews) shall look upon me (Christ) whom they have pierced, and they shall lament for him, as one mourneth for his only son…” Also see Chapter 13: 6. The prophet wrote: “And one shall say to him,(Christ) What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall

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answer, Thus was I wounded in the house of my friends.(Israel) The Jews of that time will have their eyes opened, their spiritual blindness removed and finally believe!

By comparing the Old Testament words to Revelation, the reader can see similar words being expressed. Revelation 1: 7 states, “… every eye shall see him; yea, even they which pierced him through…” At the end of the age of the Gentiles, the remnant of Israel will see the kingdom promises from old put into reality. Christ will be on the throne and be the King.

A Couple Additional Observations!

Interestingly, the Roman soldiers mocked Christ prior to the cross when they placed a crown of thorns on Jesus’ head.  The soldiers exclaimed “Hail, the King of the Jews!” If they only had realized what they were saying was true.

The Roman man over Judea,  Pontius Pilate had it all correct when he ordered a placard or sign placed over Christ’s head during the crucifixion. In Luke 19: 38 scripture records the following: Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It had written, “JESUS THE NAZARENE, THE KING OF THE JEWS.”  The Jewish religious leaders complained over Pilate’s act to no avail. Pilate, no doubt, ordered this sign placed to agitate the Jews.

Perhaps Revelation 19: 6 says it best for Christ will be called, at that time,

KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS!!!