The Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven are two distinctly different kingdoms. One political and limited the other spiritual and eternal. One ruled by the Son Jesus and the other by God the Father.

This post is not meant to be an in depth study of the two terms but merely a contrast between the two terms. Christians use the two terms interchangeably but there are some distinct differences between the two Kingdoms. Understanding the differences should help clarify certain passages in the Bible where these terms are used. The following contrasts and scripture passages should speak for themselves.

General Contrast Between the Two Kingdoms

The Kingdom of Heaven

1. It has the Messiah Jesus Christ as its King.
2. It is from Heaven, under Heaven, and upon Earth during the Millennium. Then it becomes submerged into the Kingdom of God forever (John 18:28-37, 1Cor 15:24-28, Rev 19:11-20:10).
3. It is limited in its scope (1Cor 15:24-28, Rev 5:10).
4. It is political in its sphere (Isa 9:7, Dan 7:13-14, 18).
5. It is Jewish and exclusive in its character (Isa 9:6-7, Luke 1:32-35, 2 Sam 7:1-29, Ezek 43:7).
6. It is national in its aspect (Isa 9:6-7, Luke 1:32-35).
7. It is dispensational in duration (1 Cor 15:24-28, Isa 9:6-7).
8. It includes only a portion of time and eternity (Matt 3:2).
9. It has a beginning (Luke 1:32-35).
10. All who profess are in the Kingdom of Heaven in this age (Matt 13).
11. The Kingdom of Heaven comes with outward show (Matt 24:29-31, 25:31-46, 2 Thess 1:7-10, Jude 14, Dan 7:13).
12. “Flesh and blood” does inherit the Kingdom of Heaven, for it is for earthly, natural people (Ps 37:11, Matt 5:5, Ps 138:4, Isa 60:3, 10-11, 62:2, Ezek 43:7, Dan 7:18, 27, Luke 1:32-35, Rev 21:23-26).
13. Men are never told to seek the Kingdom of Heaven.
14. The Kingdom of Heaven is future (Dan 2:44-45, 7:13-14, 18, 27).

The Kingdom of God

1. It has God the Father as its King.
2. It is in Heaven and over the Earth during the Millennium. Then it comes down to Earth to engulf the Kingdom of Heaven forever (1 Cor 15:24-28, Rev 21:3, 22:5, Dan 2:44-45, 7:13-14, 18).
3. It is unlimited in its scope (Ps 103:19, Col 1:16, Rev 4:11, 5:11).
4. It is moral and spiritual in its sphere (Rom 14:17, John 3:5, 1 Cor 4:20).
5. It is universal and inclusive in its character (1 Cor 15:24-28, Ps 103:19, Col 1:10-18, Rev 4:11).
6. It is universal in its aspect (Ps 109:19, 1 Cor 15:24-28).
7. It is eternal (1 Cor 15:24-28, Ps 90, John 1:1-3).
8. It includes all time and eternity (Ps 90:2, Pr 8:22-29, Rev 11:15)>
9. It has no beginning or ending.
10. One must be born again to be in the Kingdom of God (John 3:5).
11. The Kingdom of God does not come with outward show, for it is mainly spiritual (Luke 17:20-21, Matt 6:33, Rom 14:17, 1 Cor 4:20).
12. The Kingdom of God is not inherited by “flesh and blood,” but by glorified saints who become heirs of all things (Rom 8:14-17, 1 Cor 4:20, 6:9-10, Gal 5:21, Eph 5:5, Col 1:13, 1 Thess 2:12, 2 Thess 1:5, Heb 1:1-2, 12:28, 2 Pet 1:11).
13. Men are told to seek the Kingdom of God (Matt 6:33, Luke 12:31).
14. The Kingdom of God is now (Matt 6:33, John 3:1-5, Rom 14:17).

-God’s Plan for Man by Finis J. Dake

I hope this will enrich your study time and shed new light on scripture you have already read. 1 Peter 1:3 tells us we have been “granted all things pertaining to life and Godliness” so if knowledge of the Word is what you seek you will have it because it has already been given.

God bless and enjoy your study.

Filed under: God and Government, Understanding Scripture