Heaven

Lesson 7 w/AnswersRuling on the New Earth

Heaven

In this lesson from our study of heaven, we will be examining Section Seven (Chapters 20-22) of Randy Alcorn’s book, "Heaven". This section is entitled "Ruling on the New Earth".

We will look at Christ’s Kingdom and the Kingdom of God, and see what it means when we talk about being Christ’s inheritance and ruling with Christ.

Consider the following questions:

  1. What do the scripture verses below each tell us about the Kingdom of God?
    1. Luke 10:9
      1. ANSWER: That the Kingdom of God is near; not far away.
    2. Matthew 19:14
      1. ANSWER: The Kingdom belongs to those who are like little children, humble followers of Christ who put their complete trust and faith in Him alone.
    3. Daniel 2:35-44
      1. ANSWER: "The God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people...it will itself endure forever."
  2. What do the following scripture verses each tell us about the Kingdom of Christ; specifically John 8:23, John 18:36-37, and Luke 22:29-30?
    1. ANSWER: We see from these verses that indeed Christ has a Kingdom, but it is not of this world and is "from another place"; and it is eternal. Specifically, in John 8:23, Christ tells us that it is "not of this world". In John 18:36-37, he tells us that His kingdom is not only not of this world, but it is "from another place". Finally in Luke 22:29-30 Jesus says "I confer on you a kingdom".
  3. Read Revelation 5:5-9. When the "Lion" the "Lamb of God" takes the scroll, what is His inheritance?
    1. ANSWER: With Christ’s (the Lamb of God’s) blood, He "purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation."
  4. Read Revelation 5:10. Who makes up the Kingdom and where will they reign?
    1. ANSWER: As followers of Christ, we do; and we will reign with Christ "on the earth".
  5. What other evidence in scripture points to our living on the earth as a part of God’s Kingdom? Review the verses below and note what each of them tells us regarding this subject.
    1. Isaiah 57:13
      1. ANSWER: Those who trust in God will "inherit the land".
    2. Isaiah 49:8
      1. ANSWER: The Lord promises to "restore the land" in the "day of salvation".
    3. Psalm 37:9,11,22
      1. ANSWER: Those who "hope in the Lord", "the meek", and "those the Lord blesses" will "inherit the land".
    4. Psalm 25:13
      1. ANSWER: In his discussion regarding the attributes of a man that fears the Lord, David says "his descendants will inherit the land".
    5. Daniel 12:2-3,13
      1. ANSWER: We are told that after death comes resurrection, and after resurrection comes our "allotted inheritance".
  6. Is the role of "ruling" confined to ruling over others, or does it imply something more? Read Genesis 1:26-28.
    1. ANSWER: We were created to "rule", or have dominion over, God’s creation, which includes the animals, the fish in the sea, the vegetation, everything. We were told to "subdue" the earth. When we live and reign with Christ on the New Earth, this will again be our responsibility.

A Kingdom is coming, Christ’s Kingdom, and we have a place in that Kingdom living and ruling with him. Consider how great the gift of eternal life truly is, and the inheritance that we will receive of living and ruling with Christ in His Kingdom, an eternal one � what a blessing, what a hope!

Have a great week everyone!

In Christ,

Wes

[2009]

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