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The Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven
What is the difference
between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven?
.
Jesus makes no distinction between the two terms but seems to consider
them synonymous. Mark and Luke used “kingdom of God” where Matthew used
“kingdom of heaven” frequently in parallel accounts of the same parable. Clearly,
the two phrases refer to the same thing.
Got Questions Ministries
The phrase “kingdom of God” occurs 68 times in 10
different New Testament books, while “kingdom
of heaven” occurs only 32 times, and only in the Gospel of Matthew.
Based on Matthew’s exclusive
use of the phrase and the Jewish nature of his Gospel, some interpreters have
concluded that Matthew was writing concerning the millennial kingdom while the
other New Testament authors were referring to the universal kingdom.
However, a closer study of the use of the phrase reveals that this interpretation is in error.
For example, speaking to the
rich young ruler, Christ uses “kingdom of
heaven” and “kingdom of God”
interchangeably.
“Then Jesus
said to his disciples, ‘I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to
enter the kingdom of heaven’” (Matthew 19:23).
In the very next verse, Christ proclaims, “Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel
to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of
God” (verse 24).
Jesus makes no distinction
between the two terms but seems to consider them synonymous.
Mark and Luke used “kingdom of God” where Matthew used “kingdom of heaven” frequently in
parallel accounts of the same parable.
Compare Matthew 11:11-12 with Luke 7:28;
Matthew 13:11 with Mark 4:11 and Luke 8:10;
Matthew 13:24 with Mark 4:26;
Matthew 13:31 with Mark 4:30 and Luke 13:18;
Matthew 13:33 with Luke 13:20;
Matthew 18:3 with Mark 10:14 and Luke 18:16; and
Matthew 22:2 with Luke 13:29.
In each instance, Matthew
used the phrase “kingdom of heaven”
while Mark and/or Luke used “kingdom of
God.”
Clearly, the two phrases refer to the same thing.
Got Questions Ministries seeks to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by providing biblical, applicable, and timely answers to spiritually related questions through an internet presence."
GotQuestions.org is a ministry of dedicated and trained servants who have a
desire to assist others in their understanding of God, Scripture, salvation,
and other spiritual topics. We are Christian, Protestant, evangelical,
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to their spiritually related questions.
https://www.gotquestions.org/kingdom-heaven-God.html
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