The Kingdom of God Essay

Submitted By JulieKateMN
Words: 590
Pages: 3

The Kingdom of God, in my opinion is timeless and is not only in the here and now, but also in the future. It began with Christ's death and Resurrection and must be further extended by Christians until it has been brought into perfection by Christ at the end of time.
While reviewing Guthrie’s, chapter on The Teachings of Jesus I have chosen 4 aspects that are the most important within my life. 1. The Concept of Salvation 2. Jesus Parables of the Kingdom 3. The Teachings of Rewards 4. The Concept that if you follow the Jesus’ examples and teachings you will reside with Christ in the end.

In reviewing Gutherie’s notion that the teachings of Salvation are in the present, I agree. Those who receive God’s gift of salvation, will be ‘members’ in his Kingdom. It is my belief also that when I say the Lord’s Prayer and state, “thy kingdom come’ I am desiring the Lord’s will to continue throughout in my life on a daily basis.
Secondly, by Jesus speaking in parables I believe has taught me in a more interesting way of the truths, beliefs and teachings in which God wants us to learn about the Kingdom. It is also important to note that Jesus used parables to conceal the truths about the Kingdom from those who wear not really interested (Matthew 13:10-17). And would gladly explain their meanings to anyone who cared enough to come back and ask (Matthew 13:36-37). This is one reason I enjoy parables. For people that actually ‘want to learn’ the parable becomes an open invitation to learn more about God. I not only find them thought provoking but inviting as well.

Rewards are spoken about in the Bible and are our promises from God. I was brought up believing your ultimate reward was the fact you were going to Heaven. This is enough for me. I believe as humans we can’t grasp the concept of heavenly rewards because we have nothing to base it on. Rewards as stated in the scriptures regarding the Kingdom of Heaven, are numerous.

While reading The Shorter Life of Christ by Donald Guthrie and researching and reading various opinions and articles online, I have found the entire concept of The