The Character and Timing of the Kingdom of God of God: A Brief Examination of the Key Scholars, Scriptures and their Relevance for the West Today

By Fraser Keay

The social gospel, a kingdom with no or few miracles, or something for sometime in the future? This is a short, academic book outlining what the kingdom is and for discussing whether it is present today, for a future time, for both, or merely a myth. The relevant biblical texts and highlighted and key scholarly material examined and analyzed. Two main elements, the character and timing of the kingdom of God, comprise the main part of the book. The latter element, having generated the most heat in the academic world, is the larger of the two. Application is also made to Christian living today. 

 

Students of the Bible who are also interested in the most important academic writing about the kingdom over the last 100 or more years may find this a helpful summary and evaluation, especially if they are struggling with their own cynicism and particular scholars (if that's you, you'll already know which ones apply).   

 

My prayer to God is that you are informed, encouraged and ultimately led to seek more eagerly the kingdom and the power of the Holy Spirit to see it advance more wherever you are.  

• Language: English
• Publisher: Illumine Press
• Release date: Mar 8, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393220886

Fraser Keay

Fraser (M.Div., Denver Seminary) has served on staff in churches in several countries. During that time he has recruited, encouraged and developed a number of younger leaders in their 20's and 30's. Some of his books reflect his continued interest in leadership development, while others are aimed at helping Christians more generally, or those curious about the Christian faith. Fraser and his wife currently live in Scotland and have grown-up children, and several grandchildren.

Book preview

Introduction

The social gospel, a kingdom with no or few miracles, something for the future, or just a great idea? This is a very short, academic book outlining what the kingdom is and for assessing whether it is present today, for a future time, for both, or merely a myth. The relevant biblical texts are highlighted, and key scholarly material examined, analyzed and summarized. Two main elements, the character and timing of the kingdom of God, comprise the main part of the book. The latter element, having generated the most heat in the academic world, is the larger of the two. Application is also made to Christian living today.

Students of the Bible who are also interested in the most important academic writing about the kingdom over the last 100 or more years may find this a helpful summary and evaluation, especially if they are struggling with their own cynicism and particular scholars (if that’s you, you’ll already know which ones apply). 

My prayer to God is that you are informed, encouraged and ultimately led to seek more eagerly the kingdom and the power of the Holy Spirit to see it advance more wherever you are. 

What is the kingdom of God?

Some biblical references

The phrase ‘kingdom of God’ is not found in the Old Testament, but the idea is certainly present. Yahweh (The LORD) is king (Deut. 9:26), is seated on a throne (Ps. 9:4), owns the world (Ps. 24:1), and reigns over an everlasting kingdom (Ps. 145:13). This kingdom is connected to David (2 Sam. 7:1-16) and in