IV. WHERE THIS KINGDOM IS TO BE

I will now show where this kingdom is to be. And, 1. It is to be under the whole heaven. See Daniel 7:27. Philippians 2:9, 10: “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth.” 2. It is to be on the earth. Psalm 2:8: “Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.” Also 25:13: “His soul shall dwell at ease, and his seed shall inherit the earth.” 37:9: “For evil doers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.” verse 11: “But the meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” Also, verse 22: “For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.” Isaiah 60:21: “Thy people also shall be all righteous; they shall inherit the land forever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.” Revelation 5:10: “And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” 3. It will be called a new earth. Isaiah 65:17: “For, behold, I create new heavens, and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.” Isaiah 66:22: “For as the new heavens and the new earth which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain.” 2 Peter 3:13: “Nevertheless, we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” Revelation 21:1: “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away, and there was no more sea.” Also, verse 5: “And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write; for these words are true and faithful.”TKOG 18.1

By the proof thus adduced, we see, that the kingdom spoken of in our text is not earthly; for the kingdoms of the earth are broken to pieces and carried away, and no place found for them. It is not sensual, man ruling over man, or tyrannizing over his fellow; but each will do as he would have others do unto him, and each will love his neighbor as himself. It is not to be wondered at, then, that a rich man cannot easily enter this kingdom, nor one who lords it over his fellow, for the meek only can inherit it. This, too, shows why kings, captains, and mighty men are destroyed in the great battle of God Almighty; for those spirits and principles cannot exist in the kingdom of God. We learn too, by this view, why the earth is cleansed by fire; for the proud, and all that do wickedly, must be consumed out of it. See Matthew 13:41, 42: “The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” This too accounts for the scoffers in these last days; for they well know, if the kingdom is to be a righteous one, they themselves can have no part in it. We also learn by this why so many of our D. D.’s and professors, so many of our Rev.’s and clergy, so many of our editors and Christian teachers, as they wish to be called, are so strongly opposed to this doctrine. They know if Christ should come he would not regard their high-sounding titles, nor their dogmatical teachings: they know that their great aim has been to seek honors of men, and worldly profits of their dupes, and their trade is in danger. Their spiritual reign and conversion of the world has been their hobby, and they hug to the foolish idea of converting the world to their dogmas and faith, by means of money and sectarian missionaries. As well may they undertake to dip the ocean dry with a fireman’s bucket, as to convert the world with their sectarian motives and party creeds. How can men be so ignorant as not to see, that every convert only makes the rent worse, and every year divisions and subdivisions increase? Can a kingdom thus torn and divided stand for “millions of years,” as one of the sectarian editors lately proclaimed, and our dear Saviour be correct, Matthew 12:25: “And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.” We know they cannot be true.TKOG 20.1

Every discerning mind knows that at the present time, the Roman Church are making two proselytes to the Protestants’ one, and all must agree that of those converted by Protestants one half, or nearly so, are mere nominal professors. Well may we say, “millions of years” must pass away before our world could be converted. But I ask, what man of common sense, who has read and believes his Bible, can for a moment believe the doctrine of these foolish editors and priests, who assert that “millions of years” must intervene before Christ will come? How different did the apostle Peter preach from this. 1 Peter 4:7: “But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.” Also Christ, Revelation 22:12: “And behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” And, 20: “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come, quickly; Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” Likewise James 5:8, 9: “Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold the Judge standeth before the door.”TKOG 22.1

Much more Scripture might be produced to show we are on the end of the world. Yet the Scripture is fulfilling, to the very letter, by these scoffers of the present day, who say, “where is the promise of his coming?” and also “saying in their hearts, my Lord delayeth his coming.” And some of them are so awfully daring as to publish openly and boldly to the world that he will not come this “million of years yet.” Strange infatuation! It is time for all who sincerely love our Lord to awake from their slumbers, trim their lamps, and be ready, for the Bridegroom is at the door. Why will you be so backward in believing God’s word? Can you not discern the signs of the times? And I beseech you, O sinner! do not hear to these false teachers; they will deceive you. Look for yourselves; read, study, and consider for yourselves. You may depend upon it, every important movement of the nations, of the church, of sects, and societies, of the world, denotes the end of all things is at hand. A few more days to be numbered, and time will be no more. Regard not these blasphemous hypocrites, these wicked scoffers, these false teachers, who are crying peace and safety, when sudden destruction cometh; that say, my Lord delayeth his coming. Be warned by one who feels for your souls. I ask not for your honors, nor for your money; let them perish with the world. I ask you to escape for your life, your eternal life. Oh! save, save your soul! Think of that world which will never end, of that state which will never be changed. Think, my dear friend, of your own good; buy the truth, buy oil, buy wine and milk, without money and without price. Come, ye poor, take hold of the riches which can never perish; eat, O eat and drink of that food which can never cloy, which if a man eat of he shall live forever. Come, ye sick, here is health for you; ye lame, you will find strength; yes, weary ones may find rest, and captives will go free. The bars of the prison-house will be broken, and the shackles of the slaves will be unloosed. Captain Jesus is knocking at the door; King Immanuel will soon come in.TKOG 23.1