Sermon Tone Analysis

The Promise to the Overcomer

The genuine Christian, the one who overcomes by faith and is victorious over the world (cf. 1 John 5:4–5) (Walvoord), will join Christ not only in the great eschatological supper, but also will sit with Him on His throne to participate in ruling the world.

The Central Theme of All Holy Scripture

Michael J. Vlach, He Will Reign Forever: A Biblical Theology of the Kingdom of God

Alva J. McClain, The Greatness of the Kingdom

What is the grand central theme of Scripture that encompasses all other biblical themes?

There are many great themes in the Bible—“covenant,” “promise,” “glory of God,” “the holiness of God,” “salvation,” “law,” “people of God,” etc.

But is it possible to identify a central theme of Scripture that functions like a hub or center in which other important themes are connected?

“The Kingdom of God is, in a certain and important sense, the grand theme of all Holy Scripture.”

“Old Testament and New Testament thus stand together as the two acts of a single drama.

Act I points to its conclusion in Act II, and without it the play is an incomplete, unsatisfying thing.

But Act II must be read in light of Act I, else its meaning will be missed.

For the play is organically one.

The Bible is one book.

Had we to give that book a title, we might with justice all it ‘The Book of the Coming Kingdom of God.’”

“In focusing on the kingdom of God we are really looking at a key element that gives biblical theology its coherence.”

Why is the kingdom of God the central and unifying theme of Scripture?

1.

The kingdom is a thread that runs from the first chapter of the Bible through the last

Genesis 1 begins with God as Creator/King of the universe and man as God’s image-bearer who is created to “rule” and “subdue” the earth for God’s purposes and glory (see Gen 1:26–28).

Then the last chapter of the Bible (Rev 22) shows God and the Lamb on the throne and God’s people ruling on the new earth:

As the Bible begins, man is in God’s presence with a kingdom to reign over (see Gen 3:8).

At the end of the Bible, redeemed mankind is again in God’s direct presence as God’s people reign over the earth forever and ever.

Kingdom Program

Creation (Gen 1-2)

Fall (Gen 3)

Promise (Gen 3:15 — Mal)

Redemption (Gospels — Epistles)

Restoration (Revelation)

The kingdom theme in the five parts of the Bible’s storyline can be summarized:

1. ​First, the kingdom is present with creation as God the King of creation tasks His image-bearer, man, to rule and subdue His creation.

2.​ Second, the fall marks man’s failure to rule God’s creation; both God’s image-bearers (humans) and the creation come under the devastating effects of the fall.

3.​ Third, the promise plan guarantees the seed of the woman will eventually succeed over the power behind the serpent (Satan); the fall will be reversed and man will effectively rule over creation.

4. ​Fourth, Jesus the King brings redemption through His atonement, and His death is the basis for the kingdom and reconciliation of all things.

5. ​Fifth, with the restoration of all things God’s kingdom plan is fulfilled as Jesus successfully reigns over the earth; this kingdom merges into the perfect kingdom of the Father.

The Bible’s storyline shows how the kingdom created goes to the kingdom fallen, which then leads to the kingdom restored.

This storyline is centered and anchored in Jesus the Messiah.

2. The kingdom permeates OT history and prophecy

In addition to the kingdom mandate of Genesis 1:26–28, God assembled His chosen people Israel to become a kingdom (see Exod 19:5–6).

With the Abrahamic Covenant Israel was chosen to be the means of bringing blessings to the families of earth (see Gen 12:2–3).

Abraham will be the father of a great nation, Israel, who will serve as the platform for bringing blessings to all nations.

The Davidic Covenant shows that the ultimate King will be a descendant of David who will rule and bless the entire world from Israel.

The New Covenant explains how God will change the hearts of His people and grant His Holy Spirit so they will always obey Him.

Each of these covenants works together in harmony to guarantee that God’s kingdom purposes will be fulfilled.

Dwight Pentecost is right that “God’s kingdom program” is “the outworking of His eternal and unconditional covenants.”

How much of the rest of the OT focuses on and looks forward to the coming kingdom?

III.

The kingdom of God was central in the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus

IV.

The Focus of NT eschatology is on the second coming of Jesus and His kingdom reign

Jesus’ return in Revelation 19 is followed by a thousand-year reign mentioned in Revelation 20:1–6, followed by the final form of the kingdom in the eternal state (see Rev 21–22:5).

One could argue the entire book of Revelation describes how the kingdom of God dramatically replaces the kingdom of Satan.

Thus, the claim that “kingdom” is the primary theme of Scripture is well supported.

The Promise to the Overcomer