Theme Old and New Testament
The Kingdom of God
Also known as Kingdom of Heaven, God's reign
The Kingdom of God is God's active reign, promised through Israel's prophets and announced by Jesus as having come near in Himself. Jesus taught its character in parables, displayed it in healings, and said it would grow until His return.
Why it matters. It is the central theme of Jesus's preaching and the frame in which His life, death, and resurrection make sense.
- Primary passages
- Last reviewed
- 2026-08-30 by the FaithGraph team
Connections
The covenant with David develops the theme The Kingdom of God
Explicit in ScriptureHigh confidenceThe promise concerns a kingdom and throne that God will establish forever.
The annunciation to Mary develops the theme The Kingdom of God
Explicit in ScriptureHigh confidenceThe child's kingdom will never end.
Evidence:The ministry of John the Baptist develops the theme The Kingdom of God
Explicit in ScriptureHigh confidenceJohn announces that the kingdom of heaven has come near.
Evidence:Jesus announces the Kingdom develops the theme The Kingdom of God
Explicit in ScriptureHigh confidenceThe event is the first public proclamation of the Kingdom in the Gospel narratives.
Evidence:The calling of the first disciples develops the theme The Kingdom of God
Explicit in ScriptureHigh confidenceThe call to follow comes immediately after the announcement that the kingdom is near.
Evidence:Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night develops the theme The Kingdom of God
Explicit in ScriptureHigh confidenceJesus tells Nicodemus that no one sees or enters the kingdom of God without new birth.
The Sermon on the Mount develops the theme The Kingdom of God
Explicit in ScriptureHigh confidenceThe Beatitudes open with the kingdom, and the sermon commands seeking it first.
The parables of the Kingdom develops the theme The Kingdom of God
Explicit in ScriptureHigh confidenceEach parable is introduced as a picture of what the kingdom is like.
The triumphal entry develops the theme The Kingdom of God
Explicit in ScriptureHigh confidenceThe crowds bless the coming kingdom of their father David as Jesus enters.
Evidence:The controversies in the temple develops the theme The Kingdom of God
Explicit in ScriptureHigh confidenceThe debates turn on the kingdom: the tenants lose the vineyard, Caesar's coin is distinguished from what is God's, and the scribe is told he is not far from the kingdom.
Evidence:The promise of His return develops the theme The Kingdom of God
Explicit in ScriptureHigh confidenceThe disciples ask about the kingdom and are pointed to the Spirit and to His return; Revelation closes with God's dwelling among His people.
Evidence:Jesus teaches The Kingdom of God
Explicit in ScriptureHigh confidenceMark summarizes the whole of Jesus's preaching as the announcement of the Kingdom of God.
Evidence: