with DR. SAMUEL H. SUTHERLAND/DR. CHARLES L. FEINBERG
Q. Colorado Springs, Colo. — “Will you please explain the difference between the kingdom of heaven and the king dom of God?” A. There are points of similarity where they border on each other and overlap. Kingdom of heaven is used in the Bible in two diffeernt ways. There is a sense in which all created beings are subjects in the kingdom of God. It is not the kingdom all men are in, but the one that is in the realm of salvation. The kingdom of heaven has similarities with the king dom of God. The kingdom of heaven pictures the Messiah’s reign. It is the rule of the heavens on earth. John the Baptist came saying, “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” As in any kingdom, however, there will be true individuals who actually trust the Sovereign, as well as those who are only professing to do so. Matthew 13 talks about the seeds of profession in both wheat and tares. These are the true and the false. The people who are in the kingdom of God in the soteriological or salvation aspect, are also assured of the kingdom of heaven which is the Messianic kingdom. We who are in the Church by faith are in the kingdom of God. We will be with Christ as His bride, in the kingdom of heaven. Q. Richmond, Calif. — “I am con cerned about Acts 1S:U8 and especial ly with the last clause.” A. This verse reads, “And as many as were ordained to eternal life be
lieved.” This really opens up one of the most profound doctrines in the entire Word of God. It speaks of election, predestination, and foreordi nation. Theologians have long dis cussed this particular doctrine in connection with the free will of man! The simple fact is that both truths are taught in the Word of God. We believe both, although with finite minds we may not be able to compre hend them. These things come from the mind of God. How can we ever hope to fathom the riches of God’s grace? Consider Romans 8:29 and 30 on this subject. Jesus testified in John 6:37, “All that the Father giv- eth me shall come to me.” The impli cation is that we have the free will to come or not as we choose. Verse 37 comments, “I will in no wise cast out.” And verse 39, “This is the Fa ther’s will which hath sent me, that of all which He hath given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again in the last day.” Those who see the Son and believe on Him will have everlasting life. God’s pre destination and man’s free will are both taught in the Word of God. Be lieve them both and you will be on safe ground. Q. Los Gatos, Calif. — "Would you please explain 1 Corinthians 5:5?” A. The Corinthian church was in a very licentious area. Many had des cended to the very depths of im morality. There was fornication even in the church, which was so bad that even unbelieving Gentiles had not 19
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