Kingdom of Heaven Overview
To study the kingdom of heaven, we must begin in the Old Testament with prophecies concerning this kingdom, it’s king, and his throne. Then we will see the king in the New Testament. However, when he is rejected by Israel, he returns to heaven awaiting his 2nd coming. Below we list the significant passages that deal with this kingdom of heaven overview.
2 Sam 7:12-16. In Nathan’s prophecy, God promised David a kingdom and throne for ever. The king on this throne would be of the seed of David. He is the king of the kingdom of heaven.
Is 7:13-14. Isaiah’s prophecy to the house of David is that a virgin shall conceive a son who’s name is Immanuel, God with us. This virgin-born son is Jesus, Matt 1:21-23.
Is 9:6-7. The child that is born will be called, among other things, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father. He’s God manifest in the flesh. He sits in his kingdom upon the throne of David, for ever.
Ps 45:6. Thy throne O God, Heb 1:8 is given unto the Son.
Matt 2:2. The Son is born king of the Jews. The wise men came from the east, where Daniel and his companions had been during the Babylonian captivity. They knew who and what to look for.
Lk 2:25. When Simeon saw Jesus he had been waiting for the consolation of Israel, which had been under Gentile domination for over 600 years, starting with the Babylonian captivity.
Lk 2:36-38. Anna had been looking for redemption in Israel. And this baby was Israel’s redeemer.
But he was refused by the elders, Pharisees, scribes, and priests. These men had become powerful under Roman rule and Jesus was a threat to them. So they wanted to kill him
Matt 21:33-45. This parable called out the chief priests and Pharisees who were preparing to have Jesus executed. They were the fulfillment of the first part of Ps 118:22, The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
Dan 2:31-45. Jesus is the rejected stone in Israel. But he will return as the stone which will destroy all the world-ruling kingdoms. He will be the head of the corner. God will set up his kingdom, with shall never be destroyed.
Jn 18:36. When Pilate asked whether Jesus was king of the Jews, Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world… now is my kingdom not from hence”. But it will be in the future.
Acts 1:6. After Jesus rose from the dead, the disciples asked if God was going to now restore the kingdom to Israel. And Jesus said that the time is in the Father’s power. So, not now.
Ps 110:1-7. Ever since his ascension, Jesus Christ has been seated in heaven at the right hand of the Father, waiting until God is ready to make his enemies his footstool. “The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool”. Jesus quoted this in Matt 22:44, right before his crucifixion. Peter quoted this in Acts 2:34-36, during his first sermon to the Jews. And Paul wrote it in Heb 1:13. This is where Jesus is right now. And his kingdom on earth is basically “on hold” until he returns.
Rev 19:15-16. When he returns, Jesus will smite the nations and rule them with a rod of iron as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
Conclusion: These are significant elements of the kingdom of heaven overview. They clearly concern Israel and it’s future world-ruling king, the Lord Jesus Christ.