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The Kingdom of God

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Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Apr 5, 1877

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 3, No. 15.

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The Kingdom of God.

By James White

The kingdom of grace and the kingdom of glory have a close relation to each other. The design of the former is to prepare subjects for the latter. And, although they are distinct, and in many respects different, yet their relation to each other is such that they are sometimes mentioned in the New Testament in very close connection. This is the case in the parable of the wheat and tares.
“The kingdom of Heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest; and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my barn.” Matt. 13:24–30.
This parable applies to the present imperfect state, when sinners need, and may enjoy, the means of grace. It cannot apply to the future state of glory. There are, however, two references to the future kingdom in Christ’s explanation of this parable, which are indicated by the words supplied in brackets.
“He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man. The field is the world. The good seed are the children of the kingdom. But the tares are the children of the wicked one. The enemy that sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the world. And the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity, and shall cast them into a furnace of fire. There shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” Verses 37–43.
The sowing mentioned in this parable did not commence at the first advent of the Son of God. The children of the kingdom and the children of the wicked one both appeared long before Jesus died for sinners. Abel and Cain represented the two classes. During the entire period from the time of these sons of Adam to the close of the day of grace, this parable has a clear and forcible application.
“The kingdom of Heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field; which, indeed, is the least of all seeds; but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.” Verses 31 and 32. This parable forcibly illustrates the kingdom of grace, embracing at first only our first parents immediately after the fall, and finally in its grand results, embracing all the redeemed of every age, and from every land.
The parable of the leaven hid in three measures of meal illustrates the work of grace in the entire being. “The kingdom of Heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.” Verse 33. This parable teaches the sanctification of the spirit, soul, and body to God. The apostle expresses this sentiment when he says, “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit, and soul and body, be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thess. 5:23.
“Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.” Verse 44. This parable illustrates the joyful state of mind of those who experience the blessings of the kingdom of grace.
“Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like unto a merchantman, seeking goodly pearls; who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.” Verses 45, 46. The purchase of the pearl of great price represents the immense cost of salvation through Jesus Christ, and the sacrifices that should be made to obtain it.
“Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like unto a net that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind; which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world; the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire; there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” Verses 47–50. This parable shows that although both good and bad men may be gathered by the gospel and remain in apparent union for a time, as was the case with Judas and the eleven, the final separation will come that will declare the true character of all.
In Matthew 25, the kingdom of Heaven is likened to an Eastern marriage. This parable illustrates the action of the church just before, and not after, the second advent. “Then shall the kingdom of Heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.” In this connection our Lord points to a specific time, in which the work of divine grace upon the minds and hearts of believers would give them an experience that would be likened to an Eastern marriage.
The apostle speaks of the blessings of the kingdom of grace thus: “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” Rom. 14:17. The connection shows that Paul applies the word kingdom to the present dispensation, and not to the future period of reward.
The mental struggle, in order to break away from the powers of darkness, and by faith receive the blessings of the kingdom of grace, is thus described by our Lord: “And from the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” Matt. 11:12. See Luke 16:16. J. W.