Charles H. Spurgeon. Taken from Climbing the Heights, by Al Bryant, Zondervan, 1962.

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Because the need is great, and the time is short, this Kingdom section has been added to the resources section. It is hoped the following will be a blessing to many by outlining the distinctions Scripture makes regarding the coming kingdom - the kingdom of heaven - which shall appear on the earth when Christ rules in the millennium (that seventh day and Sabbath Rest mentioned in Hebrews), and this, in contrast to eternal life.

The Scriptures declare that eternal life and the kingdom of the heavens are separate and distinct matters. Yet many teach on these issues without any awareness of the distinctions made in Scripture. Others lecture on these discrete subjects and apply verses to one subject which are actually relevant to the other. And often, verses are mingled together in an attempt to teach the two subjects as one. Should we wonder, then, why confusion abounds on the issue of the Kingdom. Perhaps, the best way to clarify things is through a comparison of eternal life and the kingdom, listing those distinctions made in the Word.

Let us begin our examination with the matter of time. Eternal life goes on forever! It is for eternity; the kingdom is not. The kingdom only lasts for one thousand years. When the new heaven and the new earth appear, (after the millennium and the Great white throne judgment) the kingdom will be over. Again, the life we receive when we are born anew goes on forever, the kingdom only lasts for a specified period of time. Prophecy declares, the Lord will come to earth and rule over it (). Thus, a distinctive feature of the kingdom will be God’s rule manifested on the earth. Daniel refers to this ruling of the heavens on earth (7:27). And as stated, His rule will last for a thousand years – the millennium. Today the ruling one is Satan (Eph. 2:2). Corinthians refers to the period of time that applies to the kingdom (1 Cor. 15:23-25), when Christ will subdue all the nations, abolishing all other authority but His own. After this, after all other rule and authority has been abolished, the kingdom will be delivered up by Christ to His God and Father. Eternal life is simply not an issue, and has no bearing on these - kingdom - matters.

Another clear distinction in Scripture is the way one enters each. The Gospel of John deals with the subject of eternal life more than any other book of the Bible, and clearly declares, the way to have eternal life is by believing. Once we believe, we obtain it. It is simple, free, and quite easy. One has only to believe to receive. The kingdom is another matter. Nowhere does it say that it is simple or easy to enter. Indeed! In many place, the exhortation is to strive to enter. To find out more about it (the kingdom), we should go to Matthew’s gospel. Why? Because! This is the Gospel which carries the theme of the kingdom. Indeed! In it, the kingdom is mentioned over thirty-two times; more times than any other book of the Bible. And it says, “Not every one who says Lord, Lord will enter” . . . (7:12). Furthermore! It clearly spells out those who shall enter. The poor in spirit (Matt. 5:3)! And those who are persecuted for righteousness sake (V10).

The mother of the sons of Zebedee wanted her two sons to sit, one on each side of the Lord in the kingdom (Matt. 20:21). Jesus response to her? The decision was not up to Him, but the Father. Why? Grace is free, and obtained just by calling on Jesus; the Kingdom depends on whether one will partake of His baptism, and drink of the cup which He drank.

Yes! There are very clear distinctions made between the kingdom and eternal life. One is "not of works, lest any man should boast," while admittance to the other is through striving, if by any means we might attain. Sacrifice of the self-life is required for sharing in this realm (Matt. 11:12). An example of these distinctions has been provided by God through type in the Old Testament! Entry into the outer court - salvation - is through a wide door of the outer court, but the entry way to the holy place was much narrower. You see! Eternal life has a broad gate, so that many can enter, the kingdom has a narrow gate, and few there be that enter (Matt. 7:13, 14).

To continue: A man is saved by God’s righteousness. But one cannot enter into the kingdom unless his righteousness exceeds that of the Scribes and Pharisees (Matt. 5:20). We are never told to seek after eternal life, but we are told to diligently pursue the kingdom. Revelation tells us that martyrs receive the kingdom (Rev. 20:4), but nowhere in the Bible does it say that a man must be martyred to have eternal life. It is easy for a rich man to be saved, but a rich man will have definite problems if he expects to enter the kingdom. Indeed! No one rich in the things of this earth can enter the kingdom. And marriage is not a problem for those seeking salvation, but some are eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom (Matt 19:12).

Last! With regard to salvation, all are spoken of as being on a equal footing, throughout the Scriptures. It is the same for everyone. But as to the kingdom, there are issues of rank, and reward. Luke tells us that some who enter will not receive any reward. While others will receive a reward. And yet others, will receive great reward. Again, rewards and service are never associated with eternal life. But they have a definite bearing on one’s standing in the kingdom.

To conclude! The question of eternal life is one completely based upon the work of the Lord Jesus. It is all grace. While entrance, participation, rank, and reward in the kingdom are based upon what each has done with the grace God has bestowed.

May the Lord shine light into our darkened souls, as these are such weighty matters.

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The condition of enthronement with Christ is expressed in His own words sent to the church by His apostle: “Unto him that overcometh I will grant to sit with Me on my throne.” So we labor toward making believers “overcomers.” We seek to teach them to war in order that they may reign. We strive to cause them to overcome in order to share Christ’s throne; for he that has been girt by the panoply of God, and has wielded the sword, shall be honored to stretch out the scepter of the Most High.

Evan Roberts

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Kingdom Websites:

Calvary Bible Church - site contains extensive resources on the kingdom from various authors, such as A.E. Wilson, D.M. Panton, and Arlen Chitwood.
Hope of Glory - a web site dedicated to SHARING THE HOPE OF GLORY THROUGH PREACHING.
In the Beginning. - Bill Ramey has a site with major sections devoted to messages on the Kingdom.
Christian Resources Net - Dave and Angel offer a wonderful series of messages on the Kingdom.
Kingdom and Glory - Stuart Pouliot, through numerous books, phamphlets and articles, presents the profound truths of the kingdom and how they apply to the Christian walk and life.
The Lamp Broadcast - Arlen Chitwood offers a number of books and phamphlets on aspects of the Kingdom.
The Millenial Kingdom - W.H. Tindle has made available an extensive list of articles from men of the faith who had a thorough understanding of the kingdom, and kingdom principles.
Roel and Leny Velema - offer numerous articles on the four C's - Christ, The Cross, The Church, and The Coming Kingdom - which, are central and relative for spiritual growth.
The Judgment Seat of Christ - This classic work on the judgement seat and believers rewards, by D. M. Panton, is available for viewing courtesy of the saints at Grace Bible Church .
Seekers of Christ - offers some excellent articles on the Kingdom.

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Recommended Reading:

The Gospel of the Kingdom, by T. Austin-Sparks, is available on line.

The Sermon on the Mount, by Robert Govett.
The style of blessing under grace is much different from that under the Law. Under the Law the overriding principle was justice; under grace it is mercy. And as believers under grace, we are training under this new principle of mercy. Stricter rules are defined and apply, when compared to those of the past. Nobler rewards are offered, and severer penalties are stated. Jesus Himself taught us that strict observance to the Ten Commandments would not qualify for admittance into His millennial Kingdom. Therefore, if we are to attain to this kingdom, it behooves us to own the superiority and higher standard of the commands of Christ as given to his disciples through the Sermon on the Mount.

Govett masterfully outlines the contrasts that exist between these opposing principles that define the two covenenants. And in the process clearly demonstrates the elevated standard one must achieve to be eligible to receive the reward of the promised and coming Kingdom.

Available through Schoettle Publishing.

Entrance Into The Kingdom by Robert Govett - - Faith connects the sinner with the perfect work of Christ, brings present acceptance before God, and eternal life as its blessed issue. The works of man, whether converted or unconverted, avail not to obtain pardon of sins, or everlasting bliss.

These truths were firmly re-established at the Reformation, on the sure foundation of Scripture. Good works, it was seen, are the proofs of a living faith, and they are the fruits of it. But this leaves untouched the further inquiry - WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF GOOD OR EVIL WORKS ON THE FUTURE POSITION OF ONE ALREADY JUSTIFIED?

The faith of Christians, in general, embraces a present rest in God, through the work of Christ. But it has overlooked the future rest of the kingdom as the reward for present exertion. Faith in the kingdom can alone produce works meet for the kingdom.

It is not expected these truths will ever be popular. They boast no great names; they flatter not. They rest only in the proofs of God's word. They have to contend with the remains of evil adhering even to the saint. The writer, by whom this great principle has been introduced is but little known. But the native magnitude of the truth must speedily redeem it from all obscurity.

"Govett's clear and accurate exposition in Entrance Into The Kingdom has lifted me to a greater dimension of faith and zealous service in the name of our Lord." - Randall Mijachi.

Reign of the Servant Kings by Joseph Dillow - - The concept and meaning of salvation in the Scriptures is multi-dimensional. For example, when we look at salvation with respect to deliverance from sin, there is a past aspect - justification, deliverance from the penalty of sin, and a present aspect - sanctification, deliverance from the power of sin, and a future aspect - glorification, deliverance from the presence of sin. There are many works today explaining in great detail the doctrine of justification salvation. There are a lesser number of works seeking satisfactory explanations of the doctrine of sanctification salvation. There are almost no works in our generation explaining the doctrine of glorification salvation. . . . Yet it seems that in expanding the implications of the doctrine of glorification salvation and the judgment seat of Christ there is an accurate biblical solution for this four hundred-year debate between the Calvinist and the Arminian. Although a believer can never lose his justification salvation, there are dimensions of glorification salvation that may be lost or gained if we take seriously passages such as Romans 14:10, 1 Corinthians 3:15, 2 Corinthians 5:10, and 2 John 7-8. The danger of loss is real and to be taken with appropriate fear and reverence in light of the eternal implications. The opportunity of reward, on the other hand, with its glories of ruling and reigning with Jesus Christ in His coming Kingdom, are presented in the Scriptures as a great motivation for holy living in the present.

It is precisely at this point that Joseph Dillow has performed a monumental service to the Body of Christ. The Reign of the Servant Kings may be the solution to the debate between the two major systems of theology which have dominated church history for four centuries. I have personally studied through this manuscript several times and found myself most enthusiastic with Dr. Dillow's exegetical clarity and consistent biblical theology. His contribution to the disciplines of soteriology and eschatology are to be applauded. I heartily commend this study . . . for . . . accurately understanding your position, practice, and place with Jesus Christ, both now and in His coming kingdom rule. Earl D. Radmacher, Th.D Western Seminary Phoenix

The Gospel of God, by Watchman Nee - - This two volume set is the product of a series of messages given by brother Nee in the Spring of 1937 to the church in Shanghai China. Though the addresses are comprehensive in nature, Nee explains the Biblical aspects of the solid foundation our redemption is based upon in a manner easy for any believer to understand. Topics cover the entire scope of God’s dealings with man, and range from his sinful condition before salvation, to his destiny in the coming age. In the first volume Nee presents the particulars of God’s salvation. That is, man’s sins, God’s love, grace and mercy, the function of the law and God’s righteousness, the work of Christ and the Holy Spirit, and faith. The second volume deals with the issue of eternal security, and God’s way of dealing with believer’s sins both in this age, and the age to come.

Salvation is simple in nature, wonderful in scope, and dynamic in application. But Christian growth depends upon faith being operative. Yes! An active faith is an essential ingredient of growing spiritually, in Christ. But a clear understanding of the truths which faith supports can greatly assist in that process of growth which leads to spiritual maturity and ultimately achieving the fullness of the stature of Christ in word and deed.

The Theocratic Kingdom, by G. H. Peters - - Do you wish to know more Biblical prophecies? Are you tired and confused about various “author's” interpreting prophetic Scripture? Here is an absolutely riveting, and logical presentation of the Kingdom of Christ as foretold by the Old Testament. Rev. George Peters quotes over 4,000 different sources to bring you a list of observations and principles about all that God has done, and is doing, and will do, to set up His millennial Theocratic Kingdom, that eventually goes on to last forever.

Premillennial, and Biblically sound, almost every book in the Bible is used as a resource to show you the BIG PICTURE of God's dealings with man. While it is mainly a reference work, this treatise unfolds like a mini-series with vivid Scriptural explanations of the meaning of Messiah's Kingdom in relation to the Abrahamic/Davidic covenants and the meaning of the New Covenant in the New Testament. A panoramic view of church history is woven in, along with hundreds of familiar names and their works. It will strengthen your faith and clear up much confusion on the role of the Church - which is definitely NOT the promised Kingdom - and how it all fits in to God's plan for the Ages.

Drop everything and read this work, highlight it, study it, and mention it to other brothers and sister. This is a must read for every serious student of the Bible.

The ROD: Will God Spare it?, by Joey Faust, is an exceptional resource covering the issue of millennial exlcusion and the discipline of slothful saints. - - Statements made by Turtullian, Polycarp, Cyprian and others who were martyred for their faith confirm the early Christian belief that not all the saints would be found worthy of attaining the first resurrection and reign with Christ in the millennium.

Although it is shocking, the truth brought out in this book concerning the Judgment Seat of Christ provides evidence for the reason behind the numerous Biblical warnings addressed specifically to disciples. The concept of a period of time for the temporary chastisement of slothful and disobedient believers ironically protects and magnifies the precious truths of salvation through faith alone, and eternal security. And, unlike other modern defenses of eternal security, the approach taken provides a needed wake-up call for careless Christians in these last days.

Pastor Joey Faust labored for years researching the concept that chastisement does await certain believers. And his findings are startling, to say the least. Robert Govett, William Burgh, Anthony Norris Groves, D.M. Panton, G.H. Pember, Hudson Taylor, R.C. Chapman, Theodosia Powerscourt, Watchman Nee, Jessie Penn-Lewis, T. Austin-Sparks, R.E. Neighbor, G.H. Lang, W.F. Roadhouse, Daniel Radar, Robert Ketcham, Henry Soltau, A.G. Tilney, George Dollar, Joseph Seiss, M.R. DeHann, William Smith, Erich Sauer, Isaac Haldeman, S.S. Craig, Clarence Larken, D.M. Stearns, Oswald Smith, Jesse Sayer, and A.B. Simpson, are just a few of the saints of past centuries who shared this belief.

A tape of Joey Faust with a conference message covering this subject is available on cassette tape through Sentinel Publications for $6.00 (Includes S & H). See publications page for address.

The following books address issues surrounding the salvation of the soul. In the entire Church Age little material has been available on the subject. Yet, the issues surrounding the saving our our soul life are weighty indeed. Very few will have a greater impact on the outcome of a believer, as they relate to the judgment seat, and reward/position, in the coming kingdom.

THE DUALISM OF ETERNAL LIFE: A Revolution in Eschatology, by S.S. Craig
The book, long out of print, has once again been made available compliments of Bill Ramey. Those interested can download it from: Schoettle Publishing

The Salvation of the Soul The Saving of the Soul Life, by Arlen Chitwood: A Study about the salvation to be revealed at the time of Christ’s return.

Numerous books have been written on soul-winning. Bible colleges and seminaries teach courses on it. And soul-winning conferences are held by these same institutions and various Churches. But among these groups, almost without exception, soul-winning is viewed from a non-Scriptural perspective.

Soul-winning in Scripture has to do with the saving of the soul-life of those who are already saved. Whether Israelites in the Old Testament, or Christians in the New Testament, on this issue, the unsaved are not simply in view.

What then is soul-winning? And why is there so much confusion on this subject? Scripture is quite clear concerning the answers to both.

Soul-winning has to do with those who are already saved, and is connected with a kingdom in both Testaments. In the Old Testament, the kingdom was an existing kingdom (a theocracy); in the New Testament, this kingdom is the coming kingdom of Christ.

No wonder then, that corruption and confusion have marked the proclamation of this message throughout Man’s Day. Satan, the present ruler over the nations on the earth, knows that the ultimate outworking contained of this message surrounding the salvation of the soul will bring about an end to his rule. Accordingly, he has done all in his power, over the millenniums of man’s history, to destroy it. Exactly how well he has succeeded can be seen on practically every hand in Christendom (Matt. 13:31-33; Lk. 18:8; Rev. 3:14-21).Copies of this, and Arlen’s other books are available for viewing at The Lamp Broadcast. Copies can be obtained upon request, free of charge.

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