Angel
Junior Member
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge..." Hosea 4:6
Posts: 50
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Post by Angel on Apr 8, 2004 9:59:29 GMT -8
In Matthew 6:33, Yeshua exhorts us to "Seek first the Kingdom of God..."
I'm wondering if someone can explain the differences between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven?
I have been going thru abt 31 verses in the NASB (all from Matthew  ) in reference to the "Kingdom of Heaven" and found 65 verses in the B'rit Hadasha referring to the "Kingdom of God" - but I'm wondering what theological commentaries (if any) exist on the differences between the two... what's your opinion?
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide...
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Post by R' Y'hoshua Moshe on Apr 8, 2004 11:57:57 GMT -8
Shalom Psalm122.6,
The phrase “kingdom of G’d”, and the phrase “kingdom of heaven” are two different terms that are synonymous. I believe these terms were used to show respect to The Name of The Father, and to avoid unnecessary conflict with other believing Jews that may take issue with pronouncing the name of YHVH. Therefore, the meaning of these two phrases are the same, and were used to explain His (YHVH’s) Kingdom.
I believe this is similar to the different titles used for YHVH Himself such as; “El Shaddai”, “Elyon”, “Elohim”, “Adonai Tzavaot” etc.. All these titles refer to the same individual. Although, they do have different meanings. In the case of “Kingdom of G’d” it refers to The Kingdom of The Mighty One. For “Kingdom of Heaven” it refers to kingdom which rules Heaven. Both are the same kingdom which is ruled by YHVH Himself. The following are some examples of both phrases used to describe the same idea…<br>
Mat 10:7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Luk 21:31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of G’d is nigh at hand.
Mat 4:17 From that time Y’shua began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Mar 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of G’d is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
Shalom B’Shem Y’shua,
Reuel
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Curt
Full Member
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Post by Curt on Apr 12, 2004 12:35:47 GMT -8
Psalms 122:6 I understand the Kingdom of God to now exist in heaven that is why it is called the Kingdom of heaven. I believe the ruler of this world is now Satan. That's why there is so much sin. Some day the Kingdom of God will exist here on earth. Then it could be called the Kingdom of Earth. The Kingdom of heaven just denotes it's location as of this point in time.  |
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Post by Yochanan on Apr 12, 2004 14:49:16 GMT -8
Yeshua said the Kingdom of G-d IS AT HAND (Matt. 4:17; 10:7). That means here and now! "The earth is the LORD's and the fulness thereof, the world and they that dwell therein." (Ps. 24:1) If hasatan is the "god" of this world, it is because the world worships him, NOT because he has power, all of which belongs to G-d. Here webbpage.topcities.com/Yavo/PPT_5-91--Kingdom.html is an article which expands on the subject. Shalom |
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Curt
Full Member
Posts: 136
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Post by Curt on Apr 12, 2004 16:07:59 GMT -8
Yochanan, Don't have my Bible with me and the web source I usually use is down. I will read Matthew 4:17; 10:7 when I get a chance. I briefly read the website you cited will study it more later. The verse you cited Psalms 24:1 is certainly true. It is a verse I would probably use to argue tithing is still in effect. If God owns 100% of the world and what is in it then we certainly can give Him back 10% of what is already His anyway. Just because God owns everything doesn't mean he isn't allowing all men and angels freedom of choice. Satan doesn't have the power to assume rulership of this world. God has allowed him a certain time to tempt the world's citizens so as for all to see God's way is the right way and Satan's way is the wrong way. Their is a controversy, a war going on for all the hearts of mankind. A large segment of the world does worship Satan, although some are so deceived they do not know they are doing so. Maybe I shouldn't comment on the two verses in Matthew you cited without reading them but I feel I understand the subject[ The kingdom of "GOD IS AT HAND" means it is near the time that God will set up His kingdom here on earth. When we pray the "Lord's Prayer" We pray: "Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, "THY KINGDOM COME". The prayer is for God to bring His kingdom from heaven and establish it here on earth. Which He will do shortly! Your QUOTE ' The kingdom is those who are ruled by God, and who are demonstrating His rule in their lives through actions." I feel the kingdom God speaks of is His physical government which He will establish here on earth. I would agree however to be in that future kingdom here on earth God must be ruling in people's lives. |
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Post by R' Y'hoshua Moshe on Apr 13, 2004 12:38:22 GMT -8
Shalom Brethren,
We must keep in mind the following four levels of scripture interpretation used in Hebrew thought, and writing:
PASHAT (simple)—The literal meaning of the text. In pashat one seeks to understand the simple, literal, plain meaning of the text. Pashat is the foundation of interpretation. It is also the easiest level of interpretation.
REMEZ (hint)—Remez, the second level, is an implied meaning of the text. With remez, the Scriptures may “hint” at a deeper meaning without stating so explicitly.
DRASH/MIDRASH (search)—Drash is the third level of interpretation. In this method of interpretation, the text is given an allegorical, typological or homiletic meaning, which is not readily apparent from the pashat reading. This is done by noting similarities between the themes associated with the Scripture under consideration and the typological, allegorical or homiletic application.
SOD (hidden)—The fourth and deepest level of interpretation is sod. This level usually requires knowledge of Hebrew and an understanding of the gematria (numbers of the letters) of words. This is the most mysterious/secret level of interpretation.
Often times, several levels can apply for the same scripture passage, or subject. In this case, there is a literal Kingdom of Heaven which will one day rule on Earth. But, the Kingdom of Heaven, and Elohim currently rules in the individuals, and the true body of Messiah as we fulfill His mitzvot (commandments)….
"But if I with the finger of G'd cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of G'd is come upon you." Luke 11:20
"And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of G'd should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of G'd cometh not with observation:
Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." Luke 17:20-21
B’Shem Y’shua,
Reuel
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Post by Chizuk Emunah on Jan 23, 2005 22:03:39 GMT -8
The Kingdom of G-d and Kingdom of Heaven are euphemisms for the same thing- The Messianic Kingdom.
The Messianic Kingdom will be instituted when Yeshua HaMashiach returns.
In all actuality, Yeshua was offering to usher in the Messianic Kingdom early if the nation of Israel as a whole would accept it. It nearly happened too, but the Sadducees killed Ya'akov haTzeddik (James the Just), and the Netzarim (followers of Yeshua) started to splinter. However, we will not have to wait long, now that we are in the Acharit HaYamim (the End of Days).
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Post by R' Y'hoshua Moshe on Jan 24, 2005 10:48:30 GMT -8
NotzriYehudi,  And, welcome to Ahavat Elohim Discussion Forums! Shalom b'Yeshua HaMashiach, Reuel |
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Post by Chizuk Emunah on Jan 24, 2005 18:58:40 GMT -8
Reuel. Shalom, and todah for the welcome.
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Post by Lovingneighbor1 on Feb 5, 2005 3:30:08 GMT -8
Shalom all,
Curt I think you hit it on the money, the two of course i think being more about the rule or reign of heaven and God, because kingdom really points more to the location then the concept of rule which is your kingdom is the extent of your authority. In this If it were up to me I would replace the word kingdom with rule as it is the main rendering of this word.
anyhow, I would lean yes that the rule of heaven is the will of YHWH being done in the spirit. and the rule of God being the will of YHWH in the new kingdom he will establish, we like the stranger in Isaiah 56 willingly subject ourselves to his rule now as we are strangers sojourning in a strange land, but when he establishes his rule in us we make up the kingdom. there is the peshat or physical kingdom, then the ramez or under the suface kingdom ( living by his rule now) then if we take the words of the Messiah he says wash the inside of the cup first and the outside will be clean, so if we subject ourselves to his rule inside first, we then will enter into his physical kingdom or outside rule. he also establishes a pattern of getting the ramez to solve the peshat, some think you focus on the surface text to get the ramez, but I think you in some cases are given ramez to find the peshat and then with both witnesses you can get the drash, after all a clean cup needs some wine. Shalom
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Post by bronxlion on Apr 4, 2005 14:33:55 GMT -8
In my view, and from what I have gleaned from the Scriptures, the Kingdom of Elohim and of heaven are one and the same, but the real mystery behind that kingdom is when it will be established here on earth. Some believe it has been here for quite some time, but according to Dani'el chapter 7 and other important Scripture passeges, that kingdom will be set up soon, in our present time. I will reference a two-part study on heaven called Where Will the Kingdom be Established, which also goes into whether or not people will actually even go to heaven as Christianity has taught for so long, etc. Edited by Admin.
Daniel.
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Post by R' Y'hoshua Moshe on Apr 4, 2005 22:12:52 GMT -8
Shalom and welcome Bronxlion,
Thank you for sharing this. Could give us a summary of what is in the article?
Berachot b'Yeshua HaMashiach
(Blessings in Yeshua The Messiah),
Reuel
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Post by bronxlion on Apr 5, 2005 11:11:49 GMT -8
Well the first study Edited by Admin. deals with where heaven is right now, based on Yeshayahu, Yechezqel, the book of Revelation, etc., scriptural proof of where it will be established, and what Yerushalayim is not. And the second study (found here: Edited by Admin. deals with the successive kingdoms that have existed from Dani’el’s day down through time, reaching the all important Congress of Vienna following the Napoleonic wars and, finally, what the real new world order (which people fear) will constitute, that being the kingdom of Yah itself.
Shalom,
Daniel.
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Post by Chizuk Emunah on Apr 5, 2005 12:59:26 GMT -8
Shalom bronxlion.
Your articles echo our sentiments. Christianity has done a lot of damage in this area. The Scriptures specifically state that the Messianic Kingdom will be established here on earth, and not in the heavens.
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Post by bronxlion on Apr 5, 2005 16:09:00 GMT -8
Shalom bronxlion. Your articles echo our sentiments. Christianity has done a lot of damage in this area. The Scriptures specifically state that the Messianic Kingdom will be established here on earth, and not in the heavens. Greetings Notzari, and a belated thank you for the warm greeting Reuel. I believe the damage that Christianity has done, for one, is far too extensive in scope to be described in less than what would perhaps fill a small library, what with the belief that people go to heaven at death, an eternally burning hell, or a hell period, which we know to be the grave (and we clearly see that death and HELL are cast into the lake of fire--and even the lake of fire is misunderstood), their love of money and fine dress, the thought that the wicked will be destroyed, etc. (which in and of itself is a fascinating study that encompasses the three major feast days, and the three represented harvests of barley, wheat and grape as well as many supported passages of Scripture from both the TaNaK and Messianic Scriptures). Ah! One could go on and on, but hey, all will be rectified soon enough in fulfillment of Yeshayahu 2:2-4 and many, many other passages. Shalom to all, Daniel. |
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) in reference to the "Kingdom of Heaven" and found 65 verses in the B'rit Hadasha referring to the "Kingdom of God" - but I'm wondering what theological commentaries (if any) exist on the differences between the two... what's your opinion?
And, welcome to Ahavat Elohim Discussion Forums!
