To the thief on the cross who knew he had sinned and deserved his fate, Jesus said to him that today he would be with him in paradise. Not Tomorrow. Not at some coming point of his return. Not at the resurrection of the dead. Not at the end of time.
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” –Matthew 6:23 (NASB)
“From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” – Matthew 4:17 (NASB)
Paradise?
In Second Temple era of Judaism, the word “paradise” came to be associated with the Garden of Eden and prophecies of restoration of Eden, and became associated with the growing idea of heaven.
Kingdom At hand?
Jesus didn’t say that the Kingdom of Heaven was after judgment. He didn’t say that it was after death. The word “engidzo” commonly meant “at hand” or “is approaching.” Jesus brought the Kingdom of Heaven to us. Jesus’ death served as a sacrifice to end all Jewish sacrifices. Forgiveness doesn’t require sacrifice. Those who are forgiven and follow the ways of God are in the Kingdom of Heaven now.
Kingdom of Heaven or Kingdom of God
When these kingdoms were mentioned, were they referring to two different places? The Canaanites and early Israelites held the name of God in such reverence they wouldn’t even speak it. Even today many Jews won’t say the word “God,” even though it’s a title not a name. You will often see it in print as G_d.
The phrase Kingdom of Heaven is used in the Book of Matthew. Matthew, a Jew, respected the tradition of not speaking God’s name.
So these phrases can be used interchangeably and refer to the same thing. The Kingdom of God is here now and it is forever.
The Kingdom of Heaven in the Gospel of Matthew.
Disrespecting God
Of course you can disrespect or dishonor God in too many ways to mention. Questioning whether there is a God or if God is well represented by some Bible passages isn’t disrespecting God. Questioning shows spiritual growth.
Disrespecting or dishonoring God comes from our behavior that might represent God, or from belittling God’s power. We’re not the judge of God’s power or when and what purpose God uses power for.
The Kingdom is for everyone
The Kingdom of God doesn’t come with restrictions. It isn’t a private little Christian community. It’s for those who follow the ways God has shown us to live. It’s an attitude about our behavior with the rest of the world.
For the world, that is those who follow the ways of God, this is reflected in the most basic of laws, the Noahide Law. Or it’s about love which is God in our hearts – in every single person’s heart.
Jesus said, “… but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” “You shall not commit murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honor your father and mother; and You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” – Matthew 19: 17-19 (NASB)
For those who follow Jesus this is Love. If you act out of love then you’re not breaking any important law. Love fulfills the law. Harming others is the opposite of both Love and law.
The Kingdom isn’t earned
“Then some children were brought to Him so that He might lay His hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, “Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.””
Jesus said, “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” – Matthew 5:10-12
Children are regarded as “innocent” because they have limited understanding and also don’t understand the repercussions of their actions. Adults can make decisions about their behavior and can become innocent through forgiveness.
Innocent is the state of people who are in the Kingdom. They understand when they do wrong, change their behavior, and are forgiven. It’s a growth process involved in spiritual growth. Forgiveness and the Kingdom are free gifts, not earned. But there may be rewards in Heaven for sacrifices.
The Kingdom is spiritual
The kingdom isn’t a physical location. It’s a state of being and attitude in which all can participate.
Jesus said, “nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst.” – Luke 17: 21 (NASB)
The kingdom of God is a spiritual kingdom. Paul said, “for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 14:17
The Kingdom of God, or of Heaven, shouldn’t be confused with Heaven as the place we go when we die. Jesus also spoke in vague terms about Heaven as a place we go to. Yet they become the same.
It’s a matter of focus
Why the Kingdom of God or Heaven? We don’t know for certain, but we can understand it from other experiences. We place more emphasis on our behavior and on loving others when we give it a higher priority. And perhaps the Kingdom is our assurance that our progression and state of forgiveness is our knowledge that eternal life is ours, we’ll not be cast out during judgment, and perhaps we may be given a reward for what we sacrifice.
In similar experiences we dedicate time to school so that we learn more quickly and efficiently. We dedicate time to charitable activities so we provide more support for good causes. We dedicate time to work so that we accomplish more and earn a living. When we don’t dedicate time and allegiance we accomplish very little.
We form clubs to be with those of like mind so that we are influenced by each other, supported by each other, and more powerful through collective effort.
In the Kingdom we become better people and help the world more rapidly and to a greater extent. Righteousness and peace for ourselves and the world are the end goals.
The Kingdom of God is reflected in many ways in our churches. As a collection of individuals we are the body of Christ, the hand of God, the heart of God (love), and show others the way of God and to God.
Takeaway
We trip over our pride. We think we’re special or have earned something. We think we’re set apart because we’re so special. We think others can’t have what we have. What we really are is forgiven for the things we do wrong, recipients of a free gift. With that comes obligation.
When we set the ways of God (or Jesus) as our guide in life, we become more aware of our shortcomings and how we do harm to others because we leave love out of our actions.
– Dorian
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The standard of belief and conduct for Christianity is love. God is love. Be like God.
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Our answer is God. God’s answer is us. Together we make the world better.
– Dorian
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