The Kingdom Christ Delivers.
“When He (Christ) delivers over the kingdom to God the Father” 1 Cor. 15:24.
Meaning Of Kingdom.
According to Strongs’ Concordance “Kingdom” or “basileia” (bas-il-l-ah). Speaks of royalty, rule, or realm.
While Vines dictionary defines “Kingdom” as denoting “sovereignty, royal power, dominion. And by metonymy, “kingdom” denotes the territory or people over whom a king rules. This refers especially to the “kingdom” of God and Christ.
Vines dictionary further define “the kingdom of God” as the sphere of God’s rule over the earth. And the people that acknowledge God’s authority.
In summary, the “kingdom of God” refers to the rule of God over all beings who give Him voluntary allegiance.
While “the kingdom Christ delivers” to the Father is the kingdom where Christ Himself reigns as king. This kingdom is the “kingdom of Heaven.”
Though different now, however, the “kingdom of God” and “the kingdom Christ delivers” will in future become one. They will become the Kingdom of our God and His Christ.
The Purpose For The Kingdom Christ Delivers.
The purpose of the kingdom Christ delivers to the Father is to establish the kingdom of God on earth.
And the kingdom Is Established.
As we evangelize the world by proclaiming the Gospel. We are to evangelize and not convert the world through preaching and social action.
So as we proclaim the Gospel, those who are to make up the true Church have the opportunity to respond. They respond to the message as the Holy Spirit brings conviction to their hearts.
Secondly, as Christ reigns over the earth, He puts all His enemies under His (Christ’s) feet. Thus abolishing every other rule, authority, and power.
“………. When He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet.” 1 Cor. 15:24,25.
And thirdly, as the reigning king, Christ purges His kingdom of unbelieving Jews and Gentiles.
“The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and cast them into the furnace of fire.” Matthew 13:41,42.
And then hands the pure part of His kingdom to God the Father.
“Then comes the end, when He delivers the Kingdom to God the Father.” 1 Cor. 15:24.
In this way, the Kingdoms of this world become the Kingdom of our God and His Christ. (Revelation 11:15)
The “Kingdom Christ Delivers” And The “Kingdom Of God.”
Similarities.
The two kingdoms are spiritual and embrace time and eternity. And humans enter them after spiritual rebirth. John 3:3,5.
Difference.
While there is never the suggestion of evil in the kingdom of God, not so with “the kingdom Christ delivers.” Because in describing the kingdom Christ delivers, the Lord Jesus used the parables of the tares and dragnets. Thus suggesting a mixture of good and evil men in the kingdom.
Views On “The Kingdom Of God” And “The Kingdom Christ Delivers To The Father.”
The views on the phrases “kingdom Christ delivers” (kingdom of heaven) and “Kingdom of God” are diverse. Some claim the two phrases are the same, while others feel they refer to separate realms. For example:
The Liberals.
Hold that the terms are synonymous and may be equated with the Church. They believe the kingdom will be established as it grows or develops stage-by-stage. And that the Church prepares the way for the kingdom of Christ. Furthermore, they believe social action to create a better environment for men is a vital aspect of their plan. And they interpret Christianity based on right and wrong at the expense of the atoning work of the cross.
The Amillennialists.
Do not subscribe to the Liberal’s interpretation, but agree that the terms are synonymous. They believe that the kingdom will be physically established at the return of Christ by a supernatural sudden violent change. So they do not accept the Liberal approach to the stage-by-stage growth of the kingdom. They reject the idea of a thousand years reigns of Christ on earth.
The Premillennialists.
Hold that the terms are not identical. That the kingdom Christ delivers to the Father (kingdom of heaven) links to Christ’s earthly rule. And the “Kingdom of God,” with God the Father’s eternal rule.
Presently, the Kingdom Christ delivers to the Father is equivalent to Christendom. It consists of a mixture of Christians, professing Christians, unbelievers, and Jews. But at Christ’s return, the kingdom is purged of unbelieving Jews and Gentiles. And Christ and His Church to rule for a thousand years. This is the kingdom the prophets spoke about in which Israel is blessed in Palestine.
After Satan’s short rebellion following his release from imprisonment of a thousand years, Christ hands over His authority to God the Father. Then the pure part of “the kingdom Christ delivers to the Father” finally merges with the “Kingdom of God”.
Conclusion.
Whether the two phrases are synonymous or different: The Kingdom of God will be physically established on this earth.
The Kingdoms of this world shall become the Kingdom of our God and His Christ. Amen.