The Kingdom
The word “kingdom” refers to the realm of a king or ruler. Whether that realm was obtained rightfully or wrongly, it refers to his authority to bear rule. When we say “The Kingdom”, referring to God, it means God's general rule. The New Testament talks about The Kingdom of God and The Kingdom of Heaven. These are specific things and they are opposites in many ways. They refer to God's general rule of things but how and where are determined by which of these 2 titles are used.
The Kingdom of Heaven
It is very important to understand that the Kingdom of Heaven is not Heaven. Here are some characteristics of the Kingdom of Heaven:
Temporal
Earthly
Visible
Political
Based on works
Inhabitants are severely dealt with
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (Matt 7:21)
The Kingdom of God
Here are some characteristics of the kingdom of God. Notice how they are opposite from the above.
Eternal
Heavenly
Invisible
Spiritual
Based on faith
Inhabitants are secure
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (John 3:3)
Now having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He replied, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed or with a visible display; (Luke 17:20 AMP)
This difference between the 2 main aspects of the Kingdom may be somewhat similar to the Catholic Church and the “Roman” Catholic Church. The word catholic can mean universal. There is the Universal Church and the human institution that we call “church”. The real Church is an invisible reality which is the Body of Christ. There is also the visible man-made organization that we all are familiar with. All believers are part of the real Church. Persons in the artificial “church” may or may not be actual Christians. All genuine Christians are a part of the Kingdom of God right now. No Christian is in the Kingdom of Heaven today.
As you read the New Testament you will come across these 2 aspects of the rule of God. There is some overlap with the two. This has given many people the idea that they are 2 interchangeable terms for the same thing.
I think you will find, in your reading, that when these 2 aspects of the rule of God are developed at all, they will follow the above mentioned characteristics. The consistency by which the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven are described is remarkable. It may seem as if you are reading a new Bible but it has been there for centuries. Be careful to notice if you are reading a Kingdom of Heaven parable or a Kingdom of God teaching. May God bless you and guide you in your reading.
Aug 10, 2024