THE ETERNAL KINGDOM | HOW ARE THESE PROPHECIES FULFILLED?

1. The Eternal Kingdom

a) This is final in the Times of Israel series. We have been on a long journey through time. Now we stand at the gates of eternity. One day, when its King returns, this kingdom will be taken from earth and into in heaven forever.

2. How Are These Prophecies Fulfilled?

a) Jesus Christ is building a new Jerusalem in heaven. He will come one day to gather in its citizens (John 14:2-3).

b) Jesus Christ is the Sanctuary, High Priest, and Sacrifice in the new Jerusalem (Hebrews 9:24-28).

c) The promised liberation is in this Jerusalem above, not here on earth (Galatians 4:25-26). It is a liberation for all who want it, not just for the Jews (Galatians 3:26-27).

d) This heavenly city was believed in by the Patriarchs of antiquity. Although they did not have as full a revelation as we, nevertheless they confessed their blessed assurance of a city to be prepared in heaven for them (Hebrews 11:8-16).

e) Together with them and the angels, we have "come" to God's heavenly Jerusalem. This glorious Zion is not yet visible to us. We have not yet come there in sight.

f) However, we have come there in faith and in promise. We are heirs and beneficiaries to an inheritance in heaven. Therefore it is already ours, but presently is held in trust by Jesus our Trustee.

g) He will hand us the key at the appointed time. Then we can move in. We eagerly wait with perseverance for that great moment (1 Peter 1:3-13, Romans 8:18, 24-25).

h) We are already citizens of the new Jerusalem. By our faith we are registered on the roll of citizens with full rights of residence in that heavenly and eternal city (Philippians 3:20, Hebrews 12:22-24).

i) On this earth we have no permanent home, but as pilgrims in a foreign land, we seek the city to come (Hebrews 13:14).

j) We look for a new heavens and a new earth, knowing that our present dwelling place is to pass away in fire (2 Peter 3:10-13).

k) In this new heaven and earth, we will behold the new Jerusalem, beautiful and glorious city, our eternal home (Revelation 21 and 22).

l) To obtain all this we need meet only one condition: "If indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and settled, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven ...Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:22-28).