reminded of similar lists in Revelation 21:8,27 and 22:15 which exclude from

the New Jerusalem, and the reader is referred to the articles dealing with

the Overcomer and the Millennial reign (Millennial Studies, p. 12; and Zion,

the Overcomer, and the Millennium, p. 293), for proof that such terms as are

found in Revelation 21:8, are used of wayward and failing believers in the

What is emerging from this study, and which cannot be set aside without

handling the Word of God deceitfully, is that there is a very strong element

of 'overcoming' and consequent 'reigning' both in the Revelation and in the

Epistles when they speak of 'the kingdom'.  A paraphrase of the word

'kingdom' which might be substituted mentally could be 'sphere of reigning',

leaving the context to decide who, when and where.  As we do not believe the

calling of the Mystery enters into the Gospel according to Matthew in any

form whatsoever, we could with good conscience bring our study to a close

here.  But that would not only be unwise, it would be foolish, for an

examination of the context of the terms 'kingdom' and 'inherit' in Matthew

gives overwhelming evidence that our deductions so far are in full harmony

with the rest of the New Testament.  Let us note first of all the references

to 'inheriting'.

Kleronomeo occurs three times in Matthew:

'The meek ... shall inherit the earth' (Matt. 5:5).

'Every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or

father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My name's sake,

shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life'

(Matt. 19:29).

'Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you'

(Matt. 25:34).

Each of these references has 'reward' in the context.  Matthew 5:3 -12 is a

complete section, opening with, 'theirs is the kingdom of heaven', and ending

with, 'great is your reward in heaven'.  Matthew 19:27 -30 is a complete

section opening with a statement by Peter that he and his fellow disciples

had 'forsaken all' and with the question, 'what shall we have therefore?' and

is answered by the reward being promised of the 'twelve thrones' to the

apostles, and a promise of a hundredfold and inheriting of everlasting life

to those who followed in their steps.  Matthew 25:31 -46 is a judgment of the

nations on one issue, and one only, namely, the way in which they treated the

Lord's brethren during a period (apparently) of persecution, and again those

blessed are those who receive a reward.

We search in the Gospel of Matthew to see how far this element of

reward or loss is associated with the references in that Gospel to 'The

kingdom of heaven'.  We learn of 'the poor in spirit' that theirs is the

kingdom of heaven, and in the same context it is said of those who are

persecuted for righteousness' sake, that 'theirs is the kingdom of heaven'

(Matt. 5:10).  If these words are true, then we must be prepared to believe

that those who are not persecuted for righteousness' sake may not inherit,

enter or see the kingdom of heaven.  These opening references in the Sermon

on the Mount favour the idea that the kingdom of heaven is not open to all

believers, but is 'a sphere of reigning' which in every dispensation is

associated with Reward, Crown or Prize, and is associated with some measure

of suffering and faithfulness.