The concept of Kingdom of heaven in Christianity
The Kingdom of Heaven is a central spiritual concept in Christianity, representing a divine realm where God reigns supreme and righteousness prevails. This spiritual state encompasses the principles and teachings of Jesus, calling for faith, repentance, and conformity to divine law. It emphasizes the promise of eternal life and fulfillment for those who embody qualities like humility, purity, and moral integrity. The Kingdom of Heaven is portrayed as both a present and future state, accessible to believers who seek a relationship with God and follow His teachings.
Synonyms: Paradise, Celestial kingdom, Divine realm, Afterlife, Eternal kingdom, Heavenly abode, Heavenly realm, Elysium, Nirvana, Promised land, Utmost bliss, Eternal paradise, Heavenly city, Spiritual kingdom
In Dutch: Koninkrijk der hemelen; In Finnish: Taivasten valtakunta; In Spanish: Reino de los cielos; In German: Königreich des Himmels; In Malay: Kerajaan syurga; In Swedish: Himmelriket; In French: Royaume des cieux
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Kingdom of heaven'
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) The place where those from the west and east shall sit with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, representing a realm of everlasting reward.[1] (2) The spiritual realm, where one can enter only through baptism of water and of the Spirit, and where believers will be saved, as mentioned in the text.[2] (3) This is mentioned in the context of the power given to Peter, where he receives the keys, signifying the authority to bind and loose on earth, reflecting divine influence.[3] (4) This is a place that people can enter, and the text discusses the importance of righteousness in relation to the priests.[4] (5) The text mentions the 'mysteries of the kingdom of heaven' as something that is given to the disciples to know, but not to the multitudes, indicating that the disciples have a special insight into these mysteries.[5]
From: Gospel of Thomas Commentary
(1) This realm is where the least person is greater than John the Baptist, and it has been subject to violence since John's time.[6] (2) This term refers to a realm of righteousness, which is within us and can be released through the motivation of fire, passion, purpose, glory, desire, and hunger.[7] (3) This is the place that will open its doors, before the loaf will rise, according to the text.[8] (4) This is a realm whose mysteries are given to the disciples, but not to others, implying a selective distribution of knowledge.[9] (5) This phrase refers to a spiritual realm or state of being, as the text indicates that those who are persecuted for righteousness sake will be granted this reward.[10]
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) A spiritual realm of divine governance, representing the domain of God and eternal life.[11] (2) This is a place of rest, where people are free from the threats and dangers, and the invitation to enter is open to all.[12] (3) This is where the king opened the gates for all believers, offering a place of salvation for those who believe in Christ.[13] (4) The excitable multitude were ready to take the Kingdom of Heaven by storm, demonstrating a particular disposition towards Christ's teachings.[14] (5) This is a place where the keys were given to Peter, and where whatsoever he would bind on earth shall be bound in heaven.[15]
From: The Complete Sayings of Jesus
(1) This is a realm where keys are given to someone, and actions on earth are connected to events within it, and it is also where the Son of man's glory is.[16] (2) This is a realm, and it is something that is preached.[17] (3) The kingdom of heaven is related to the kingdom of God and is at hand, which Jesus preached, calling people to repentance and faith.[18] (4) A spiritual realm or state likened to a king's banquet, representing God's divine rule and invitation to eternal life.[19] (5) A spiritual realm illustrated in Jesus' teachings, marked by righteousness and a new covenant.[20]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) As every Jew regarded himself as an inheritor of the land of Canaan, so also is each Christian an inheritor of the Kingdom of heaven, according to the provided text.[21] (2) Approaching the service associated with this is not to be done with unthinking pride, but with humility.[22] (3) John the Baptist was declared by Jesus to be the greatest prophet of the former dispensation, while yet less than the least in the Kingdom of heaven.[23] (4) A spiritual realm or state of being that is difficult for the rich to attain, as indicated by Jesus.[24] (5) A theological concept often associated with Christ's teachings, suggesting a divine realm or state of existence characterized by righteousness and peace.[25]
From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository
(1) This phrase is related to Jesus' promise to Peter, and it involves the authority to declare certain ceremonies obligatory or not, impacting religious practices and beliefs.[26] (2) This term refers to a realm of many stages and phases, ultimately leading to heaven being brought down to earth, expressing a plurality of phases, as described in Daniel 4:26.[27] (3) This is the place that was opened to all believers after the sharpness of death was overcome, as referenced in the text.[28] (4) Represents the spiritual reign and domain associated with Jesus' teachings and the hope of resurrection.[29] (5) The spiritual realm or state of existence where God reigns, often associated with eternal life and divine rule.[30]
From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature
(1) The term 'eunuch' is applied figuratively to those who have made themselves eunuchs for this reason, representing voluntary abstinence, though some interpreted it literally.[31] (2) The physical form will undergo specific changes to make it suitable for this place, and to enable it to have everlasting existence, becoming like Christ's form.[32] (3) The advancement of this, and the salvation of the world, are the goals of Jesus, who, like his Father, is always working towards these objectives.[33] (4) A divine realm of bliss and eternal joy where believers will experience closeness to God.[34] (5) The central theme of John's preaching, proclaiming its arrival and the need for repentance.[35]
From: Summa Theologica (English translation)
(1) The poor are shown to be better off in the kingdom of heaven, according to the authority quoted.[36] (2) The principal power of this sacrament is that it brings us into the kingdom of heaven, being a kind of viaticum, which is a symbolic representation.[37] (3) The feast of Assembly or Congregation foreshadowed the assembly of the faithful in the kingdom of heaven, as described in the provided text.[38] (4) This is a state that is not attainable through actions performed without charity, but is attainable through the presence of charity.[39] (5) The state of eternal life and reward that some individuals attain, in contrast to those who are excluded from it.[40]
From: The city of God
(1) The kingdom of heaven is a concept that is closely linked with the city of God, and the text mentions that there are many things concerning Christ and the kingdom.[41] (2) This is a place where happiness is given to the pious alone, according to the text, and it is a concept linked to the power given by the true God.[42] (3) This term refers to the spiritual reign or dominion of God, and is the ultimate goal for believers, where righteousness and peace prevail.[43] (4) A place where the righteous are present, including the Church as it currently exists, and where individuals who follow the teachings of the faith will eventually enter.[44] (5) This is a destination that requires righteousness exceeding that of the scribes and Pharisees, highlighting the need for a high standard of moral and spiritual conduct.[45]
From: The Little Flowers of St. Francis
(1) A spiritual state or realm of eternal life that one must strive to enter and remain in.[46] (2) A spiritual state of eternal life and communion with God, which St. Francis encourages people to aspire toward.[47] (3) A spiritual domain referenced in relation to Friar Bernard's role as one of its Commissaries.[48]
From: Works of St. Anselm
(1) The spiritual realm or state of being that God restores to humanity through His redemptive actions.[49]
From: The Writings of St. Francis of Assisi
(1) The ultimate spiritual reward promised to those who endure suffering for justice.[50]
From: The Existence and Attributes of God
(1) This refers to the state of spiritual perfection, which is difficult to achieve in this world due to the many temptations and challenges.[51] (2) The spiritual reign of God, which encompasses the offer of grace and the impending judgment on those who reject it.[52] (3) The spiritual realm or state of existence that believers can enjoy, which is entered through the conditions of repentance and belief.[53]
From: The Second Helvetic Confession
(1) The Kingdom of Heaven is opened to the obedient and shut to the disobedient, which ministers accomplish through their actions, according to the text.[54] (2) This is where the children belong, according to the scriptures, and the pastors should take care of them.[55]
From: The Book of the Bee
(1) Some believe that the tree of life represents this place and the joy of the world to come, indicating a spiritual realm.[56] (2) The spiritual realm where God reigns, which one must enter by being converted and childlike.[57] (3) The divine realm or state of spiritual existence that one must enter through baptism and communion.[58]
From: The Kebra Nagast
(1) This is what the Apostles, Prophets, Martyrs, and Monks inherited, due to their rejection of the world through the perfume of Christ.[59]
Gnostic concept of 'Kingdom of heaven'
From: Pistis Sophia
(1) This represents a spiritual realm or state of being, and it is a place where individuals are granted worthiness, where the mysteries are revealed, and the opportunity for eternal life is possible.[60] (2) This is the place where the keys of the mysteries are brought to, and without the mysteries no one will enter into the Light-kingdom.[61] (3) A spiritual realm or state that is worthy of the follower's actions and embraces the true essence of God.[62] (4) The spiritual realm where God reigns and where believers hope to enter after death, often associated with eternal life and reward.[63] (5) The ultimate spiritual realm where righteous souls are hoped to dwell.[64]
From: Fragments of a Faith Forgotten
(1) The Kingdom of Heaven is the place that the enemy of, Sabaoth Adamas, is the enemy of, and the chief of the six non-repentant Rulers.[65] (2) The inner spiritual realm that resides within an individual, accessible through self-awareness.[66] (3) A metaphysical space or state of being sought within the individual, representing ultimate spiritual realization and connection to the divine.[67]
From: The Gnostics and Their Remains
(1) A divine realm or state of eternal joy and righteousness where righteous souls are believed to dwell.[68] (2) A spiritual realm or state of being characterized by enlightenment and the presence of God.[69]
The concept of Kingdom of heaven in local and regional sources
The "Kingdom of Heaven" encompasses the ultimate spiritual destination for the righteous, characterized by eternal bliss, communion with God, and spiritual goals in Christianity, as reflected in the actions and teachings of figures like Sebbi and Cynibert.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This phrase represents a concept that some individuals sought shortcuts to access, as mentioned in the text, but the Swami did not provide immediate solutions for this.[70] (2) A state that cannot be entered until the world manufactured by the ego is given up, signifying the importance of relinquishing self-centered attachments to attain spiritual enlightenment.[71] (3) Give up, he says, these superstitious dreams that you are low and that you are poor. Think not that you are trampled upon and tyrannised over as if you were slaves, for within you is something that can never be tyrannised over, never be trampled upon, never be troubled, never be killed. You are all Sons of God, immortal spirit. "Know", he declared, "the Kingdom of Heaven is within you."[72] (4) A state of being that can only be entered by giving up the world and forgetting the ego, representing a realm of spiritual enlightenment and liberation.[73] (5) This phrase refers to the state of being where the truth is found within oneself, according to the Vedanta and other great teachers, as mentioned in the text.[74]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A spiritual state or reality that one can achieve through faith and moral conduct, emphasized in the teachings of Christ.[75] (2) A concept from the biblical reference implying purity and the importance of children in spiritual matters.[76] (3) A spiritual state of awareness and beauty that is accessible but often overlooked by humans due to their mental distractions.[77] (4) A metaphorical term used to describe the attainment of divine realization or spiritual truth.[78] (5) A biblical reference to the realm of God, mentioned in the quote attributed to One of Galilee as a way to emphasize the innocence of children.[79]
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) The realm is mentioned as the place where Peter will give the keys, and it is said that the blessed chief of the Apostles will also willingly open the entrance into the heavenly kingdom.[80] (2) Sebbi reserved nothing for himself, but rather coveted to remain poor in spirit for the sake of the kingdom of Heaven.[81] (3) The eternal abode where the faithful are believed to go after death; often depicted as a place of bliss and communion with God.[82] (4) The spiritual realm and community of believers that the king admired and regarded as fellow citizens.[83] (5) The ultimate paradise awaiting souls that are perfect in righteousness upon leaving their bodies, as described in the text.[84]