Changes

==PAPER 170: THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN==

==PAPER 170: THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN==

170:0.1 Saturday afternoon, March 11, [[Jesus]] preached his last [[sermon]] at Pella. This was among the notable addresses of his [[public]] [[ministry]], [[embracing]] a full and complete [[discussion]] of the ''kingdom of heaven''. He was [[aware]] of the [[confusion]] which existed in the [[minds]] of his [[apostles]] and [[disciples]] regarding the [[meaning]] and significance of the terms " kingdom of heaven " and " kingdom of God, " which he used as interchangeable designations of [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_120 his bestowal mission]. Although the very term [[kingdom of heaven]] should have been enough to separate what it stood for from all [[connection]] with [[earth]]ly kingdoms and [[temporal]] [[governments]], it was not. The [[idea]] of a temporal [[king]] was too deep-rooted in the [http://www.jcpa.org/dje/index-jpt.htm Jewish mind] thus to be dislodged in a single [[generation]]. Therefore [[Jesus]] did not at first openly [[oppose]] this long-nourished [[concept]] of the kingdom.

170:0.1 Saturday afternoon, March 11, [[Jesus]] preached his last [[sermon]] at Pella. This was among the notable addresses of his [[public]] [[ministry]], [[embracing]] a full and complete [[discussion]] of the ''kingdom of heaven''. He was [[aware]] of the [[confusion]] which existed in the [[minds]] of his [[apostles]] and [[disciples]] regarding the [[meaning]] and significance of the terms " kingdom of heaven " and " kingdom of God, " which he used as interchangeable designations of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_120 his bestowal mission]. Although the very term [[kingdom of heaven]] should have been enough to separate what it stood for from all [[connection]] with [[earth]]ly kingdoms and [[temporal]] [[governments]], it was not. The [[idea]] of a temporal [[king]] was too deep-rooted in the [https://www.jcpa.org/dje/index-jpt.htm Jewish mind] thus to be dislodged in a single [[generation]]. Therefore [[Jesus]] did not at first openly [[oppose]] this long-nourished [[concept]] of the kingdom.

170:0.2 This [[Sabbath]] afternoon [[the Master]] sought to [[clarify]] the teaching about the ''kingdom of heaven''; he [[discussed]] the subject from every [[viewpoint]] and endeavored to make clear the many [[different]] senses in which the term had been used. In this [[narrative]] we will amplify the address by adding numerous [[statements]] made by [[Jesus]] on previous occasions and by including some remarks made only to [[the apostles]] during the evening [[discussions]] of this same day. We will also make certain comments dealing with the subsequent outworking of the kingdom [[idea]] as it is related to the [http://www.intellectualtakeout.org/library/books/irenaeus-grotius-sourcebook-christian-political-thought-100-1625-1 later Christian church].

170:0.2 This [[Sabbath]] afternoon [[the Master]] sought to [[clarify]] the teaching about the ''kingdom of heaven''; he [[discussed]] the subject from every [[viewpoint]] and endeavored to make clear the many [[different]] senses in which the term had been used. In this [[narrative]] we will amplify the address by adding numerous [[statements]] made by [[Jesus]] on previous occasions and by including some remarks made only to [[the apostles]] during the evening [[discussions]] of this same day. We will also make certain comments dealing with the subsequent outworking of the kingdom [[idea]] as it is related to the [https://www.intellectualtakeout.org/library/books/irenaeus-grotius-sourcebook-christian-political-thought-100-1625-1 later Christian church].

==170:1. CONCEPTS OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN==

==170:1. CONCEPTS OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN==

*1. 170:1.2 A present [[reality]]; and as

*1. 170:1.2 A present [[reality]]; and as

*2. 170:1.3 A [[future]] [[hope]]—when the kingdom would be [[realized]] in fullness upon the [[appearance]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism the Messiah]. This is the kingdom [[concept]] which [[John the Baptist]] taught.

*2. 170:1.3 A [[future]] [[hope]]—when the kingdom would be [[realized]] in fullness upon the [[appearance]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism the Messiah]. This is the kingdom [[concept]] which [[John the Baptist]] taught.

170:1.4 From the very first [[Jesus]] and [[the apostles]] taught both of these [[concepts]]. There were two other [[ideas]] of the kingdom which should be borne in [[mind]]:

170:1.4 From the very first [[Jesus]] and [[the apostles]] taught both of these [[concepts]]. There were two other [[ideas]] of the kingdom which should be borne in [[mind]]:

*3. 170:1.5 The later [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism Jewish concept] of a world-wide and [[transcendental]] kingdom of [[supernatural]] [[origin]] and [[miraculous]] [[inauguration]].

*3. 170:1.5 The later [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism Jewish concept] of a world-wide and [[transcendental]] kingdom of [[supernatural]] [[origin]] and [[miraculous]] [[inauguration]].

*4. 170:1.6 The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asha#In_eschatology_and_soteriology Persian teachings] portraying the [[establishment]] of a [[divine]] kingdom as the [[achievement]] of the [[triumph]] of [[good]] over [[evil]] at the end of the world.

*4. 170:1.6 The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asha#In_eschatology_and_soteriology Persian teachings] portraying the [[establishment]] of a [[divine]] kingdom as the [[achievement]] of the [[triumph]] of [[good]] over [[evil]] at the end of the world.

170:1.7 Just before the [[advent]] of [[Jesus]] on [[earth]], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jews] combined and [[confused]] all of these [[ideas]] of the kingdom into their [[apocalyptic]] [[concept]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism the Messiah]'s coming to establish the age of the Jewish [[triumph]], the [[eternal]] age of [[God]]'s [[supreme]] rule on [[earth]], the new world, the era in which all [[mankind]] would [[worship]] [[Yahweh]]. In choosing to utilize this [[concept]] of the ''kingdom of heaven'', [[Jesus]] elected to appropriate the most [[vital]] and culminating [[heritage]] of both the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judaism Jewish] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persian_religion Persian religions].

170:1.7 Just before the [[advent]] of [[Jesus]] on [[earth]], the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jews] combined and [[confused]] all of these [[ideas]] of the kingdom into their [[apocalyptic]] [[concept]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism the Messiah]'s coming to establish the age of the Jewish [[triumph]], the [[eternal]] age of [[God]]'s [[supreme]] rule on [[earth]], the new world, the era in which all [[mankind]] would [[worship]] [[Yahweh]]. In choosing to utilize this [[concept]] of the ''kingdom of heaven'', [[Jesus]] elected to appropriate the most [[vital]] and culminating [[heritage]] of both the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judaism Jewish] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persian_religion Persian religions].

170:1.8 The ''kingdom of heaven'', as it has been [[understood]] and misunderstood down through the centuries of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_christianity Christian era], [[embraced]] four distinct [[groups]] of [[ideas]]:

170:1.8 The ''kingdom of heaven'', as it has been [[understood]] and misunderstood down through the centuries of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_christianity Christian era], [[embraced]] four distinct [[groups]] of [[ideas]]:

*1. The [[concept]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism Jews].

*1. The [[concept]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism Jews].

*2. The concept of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asha#In_eschatology_and_soteriology Persians].

*2. The concept of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asha#In_eschatology_and_soteriology Persians].

*3. The [[personal]]-[[experience]] [[concept]] of [[Jesus]]—" the ''kingdom of heaven'' within you. "

*3. The [[personal]]-[[experience]] [[concept]] of [[Jesus]]—" the ''kingdom of heaven'' within you. "

*4. The [[composite]] and [[confused]] [[concepts]] which the founders and promulgators of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_eschatology Christianity] have sought to impress upon the world.

*4. The [[composite]] and [[confused]] [[concepts]] which the founders and promulgators of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_eschatology Christianity] have sought to impress upon the world.

170:1.9 At [[different]] times and in varying [[circumstances]] it appears that [[Jesus]] may have presented numerous [[concepts]] of the " kingdom " in his [[public]] teachings, but to his [[apostles]] he always taught the kingdom as [[embracing]] man's [[personal]] [[experience]] in relation to his fellows on [[earth]] and to [[the Father]] in heaven. Concerning the kingdom, his last word always was, " The kingdom is within you. "

170:1.9 At [[different]] times and in varying [[circumstances]] it appears that [[Jesus]] may have presented numerous [[concepts]] of the " kingdom " in his [[public]] teachings, but to his [[apostles]] he always taught the kingdom as [[embracing]] man's [[personal]] [[experience]] in relation to his fellows on [[earth]] and to [[the Father]] in heaven. Concerning the kingdom, his last word always was, " The kingdom is within you. "

*1. The [[confusion]] occasioned by [[observing]] the [[idea]] of the " kingdom " as it passed through the various [[progressive]] [[phases]] of its recasting by [[Jesus]] and his [[apostles]].

*1. The [[confusion]] occasioned by [[observing]] the [[idea]] of the " kingdom " as it passed through the various [[progressive]] [[phases]] of its recasting by [[Jesus]] and his [[apostles]].

*2. The [[confusion]] which was [[inevitably]] associated with the transplantation of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Christianity early Christianity] from a [[Jewish]] to a [[gentile]] [[soil]].

*2. The [[confusion]] which was [[inevitably]] associated with the transplantation of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Christianity early Christianity] from a [[Jewish]] to a [[gentile]] [[soil]].

*3. The [[confusion]] which was [[inherent]] in the [[fact]] that [[Christianity]] became a [[religion]] which was [[organized]] about the central [[idea]] of [[Jesus]]' [[Personality|person]]; the [[gospel]] of the kingdom became more and more a [[religion]] about him.

*3. The [[confusion]] which was [[inherent]] in the [[fact]] that [[Christianity]] became a [[religion]] which was [[organized]] about the central [[idea]] of [[Jesus]]' [[Personality|person]]; the [[gospel]] of the kingdom became more and more a [[religion]] about him.

*5. 170:2.6 This new [[gospel]] held up [[spiritual]] [[attainment]] as the true goal of living. Human life [[received]] a new [[endowment]] of [[moral]] [[value]] and [[divine]] [[dignity]].

*5. 170:2.6 This new [[gospel]] held up [[spiritual]] [[attainment]] as the true goal of living. Human life [[received]] a new [[endowment]] of [[moral]] [[value]] and [[divine]] [[dignity]].

*6. 170:2.7 [[Jesus]] taught that [[eternal]] [[realities]] were the result (reward) of [[righteous]] earthly striving. Man's [[mortal]] [[sojourn]] on [[earth]] acquired new [[meanings]] consequent upon the [[recognition]] of a [[noble]] [[destiny]].

*6. 170:2.7 [[Jesus]] taught that [[eternal]] [[realities]] were the result (reward) of [[righteous]] earthly striving. Man's [[mortal]] [[sojourn]] on [[earth]] acquired new [[meanings]] consequent upon the [[recognition]] of a [[noble]] [[destiny]].

*7. 170:2.8 The new [[gospel]] affirmed that [[human]] [[salvation]] is the [[revelation]] of a far-reaching [[divine]] [[purpose]] to be [[fulfilled]] and [[realized]] in the [[future]] [[destiny]] of the endless [[service]] of the salvaged [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_40#40:5._MORTALS_OF_TIME_AND_SPACE sons of God].

*7. 170:2.8 The new [[gospel]] affirmed that [[human]] [[salvation]] is the [[revelation]] of a far-reaching [[divine]] [[purpose]] to be [[fulfilled]] and [[realized]] in the [[future]] [[destiny]] of the endless [[service]] of the salvaged [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_40#40:5._MORTALS_OF_TIME_AND_SPACE sons of God].

170:2.9 These teachings cover the expanded [[idea]] of the kingdom which was taught by [[Jesus]]. This great [[concept]] was hardly [[embraced]] in the elementary and [[confused]] kingdom teachings of [[John the Baptist]].

170:2.9 These teachings cover the expanded [[idea]] of the kingdom which was taught by [[Jesus]]. This great [[concept]] was hardly [[embraced]] in the elementary and [[confused]] kingdom teachings of [[John the Baptist]].

170:2.10 [[The apostles]] were unable to grasp the real [[meaning]] of [[the Master]]'s utterances regarding the kingdom. The subsequent [[distortion]] of [[Jesus]]' teachings, as they are recorded in the [[New Testament]], is because the [[concept]] of the [[gospel]] [[writers]] was colored by the [[belief]] that [[Jesus]] was then absent from the world for only a short time; that he would soon return to [[establish]] the kingdom in [[power]] and [[glory]]—just such an [[idea]] as they held while he was with them in the [[flesh]]. But [[Jesus]] did not [[connect]] the [[establishment]] of the kingdom with the [[idea]] of [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_176#176:2._THE_MASTER.27S_SECOND_COMING his return to this world]. That centuries have passed with no signs of the [[appearance]] of the " [[New Age]] " is in no way out of [[harmony]] with [[Jesus]]' teaching.

170:2.10 [[The apostles]] were unable to grasp the real [[meaning]] of [[the Master]]'s utterances regarding the kingdom. The subsequent [[distortion]] of [[Jesus]]' teachings, as they are recorded in the [[New Testament]], is because the [[concept]] of the [[gospel]] [[writers]] was colored by the [[belief]] that [[Jesus]] was then absent from the world for only a short time; that he would soon return to [[establish]] the kingdom in [[power]] and [[glory]]—just such an [[idea]] as they held while he was with them in the [[flesh]]. But [[Jesus]] did not [[connect]] the [[establishment]] of the kingdom with the [[idea]] of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_176#176:2._THE_MASTER.27S_SECOND_COMING his return to this world]. That centuries have passed with no signs of the [[appearance]] of the " [[New Age]] " is in no way out of [[harmony]] with [[Jesus]]' teaching.

170:2.11 The great [[effort]] embodied in this [[sermon]] was the attempt to [[translate]] the [[concept]] of the ''kingdom of heaven'' into the [[ideal]] of the [[idea]] of [[doing the will of God]]. Long had [[the Master]] taught his followers to [[pray]]: " Your kingdom come; your will be done "; and at this time he [[earnestly]] sought to induce them to abandon the use of the term ''kingdom of God'' in favor of the more [[practical]] equivalent, [[Doing the will of God|the will of God]]. But he did not succeed.

170:2.11 The great [[effort]] embodied in this [[sermon]] was the attempt to [[translate]] the [[concept]] of the ''kingdom of heaven'' into the [[ideal]] of the [[idea]] of [[doing the will of God]]. Long had [[the Master]] taught his followers to [[pray]]: " Your kingdom come; your will be done "; and at this time he [[earnestly]] sought to induce them to abandon the use of the term ''kingdom of God'' in favor of the more [[practical]] equivalent, [[Doing the will of God|the will of God]]. But he did not succeed.

170:2.12 [[Jesus]] [[desired]] to substitute for the [[idea]] of the kingdom, [[king]], and subjects, the [[concept]] of the heavenly [[family]], the [[heavenly Father]], and the [[liberated]] [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_40#40:6._THE_FAITH_SONS_OF_GOD sons of God] [[engaged]] in [[joyful]] and voluntary [[service]] for their fellow men and in the [[sublime]] and [[intelligent]] [[worship]] of [[God the Father]].

170:2.12 [[Jesus]] [[desired]] to substitute for the [[idea]] of the kingdom, [[king]], and subjects, the [[concept]] of the heavenly [[family]], the [[heavenly Father]], and the [[liberated]] [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_40#40:6._THE_FAITH_SONS_OF_GOD sons of God] [[engaged]] in [[joyful]] and voluntary [[service]] for their fellow men and in the [[sublime]] and [[intelligent]] [[worship]] of [[God the Father]].

170:2.13 Up to this [[time]] [[the apostles]] had acquired a double [[viewpoint]] of the kingdom; they regarded it as:

170:2.13 Up to this [[time]] [[the apostles]] had acquired a double [[viewpoint]] of the kingdom; they regarded it as:

*2. A question of racial or [[Planet|world]] [[phenomena]]; that the kingdom was in the [[future]], something to look forward to.

*2. A question of racial or [[Planet|world]] [[phenomena]]; that the kingdom was in the [[future]], something to look forward to.

170:2.14 They looked upon the coming of the kingdom in the [[hearts]] of men as a [[gradual]] [[development]], like the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaven leaven] in the dough or like the [[growing]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mustard_seed mustard seed]. They [[believed]] that the coming of the kingdom in the racial or [[Planet|world]] sense would be both sudden and [[spectacular]]. [[Jesus]] never tired of telling them that the ''kingdom of heaven'' was their [[personal]] [[experience]] of [[realizing]] the higher [[qualities]] of spiritual living; that these [[realities]] of the spirit [[experience]] are [[progressively]] [[translated]] to new and higher [[levels]] of [[divine]] [[certainty]] and [[eternal]] [[grandeur]].

170:2.14 They looked upon the coming of the kingdom in the [[hearts]] of men as a [[gradual]] [[development]], like the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaven leaven] in the dough or like the [[growing]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mustard_seed mustard seed]. They [[believed]] that the coming of the kingdom in the racial or [[Planet|world]] sense would be both sudden and [[spectacular]]. [[Jesus]] never tired of telling them that the ''kingdom of heaven'' was their [[personal]] [[experience]] of [[realizing]] the higher [[qualities]] of spiritual living; that these [[realities]] of the spirit [[experience]] are [[progressively]] [[translated]] to new and higher [[levels]] of [[divine]] [[certainty]] and [[eternal]] [[grandeur]].

170:2.15 On this afternoon [[the Master]] distinctly taught a new [[concept]] of the double [[nature]] of the kingdom in that he portrayed the following [[two]] [[phases]]:

170:2.15 On this afternoon [[the Master]] distinctly taught a new [[concept]] of the double [[nature]] of the kingdom in that he portrayed the following [[two]] [[phases]]:

170:2.19 [[Jesus]] taught that [[sin]] is not the child of a [[defective]] [[nature]] but rather the offspring of a knowing [[mind]] [[dominated]] by an unsubmissive will. Regarding [[sin]], he taught that [[God]] has [[forgiven]]; that we make such [[forgiveness]] [[personally]] available by the [[act]] of forgiving our fellows. When you [[forgive]] your [[brother]] in the [[flesh]], you thereby create the [[capacity]] in your own [[soul]] for the [[reception]] of the [[reality]] of [[God]]'s [[forgiveness]] of your own misdeeds.

170:2.19 [[Jesus]] taught that [[sin]] is not the child of a [[defective]] [[nature]] but rather the offspring of a knowing [[mind]] [[dominated]] by an unsubmissive will. Regarding [[sin]], he taught that [[God]] has [[forgiven]]; that we make such [[forgiveness]] [[personally]] available by the [[act]] of forgiving our fellows. When you [[forgive]] your [[brother]] in the [[flesh]], you thereby create the [[capacity]] in your own [[soul]] for the [[reception]] of the [[reality]] of [[God]]'s [[forgiveness]] of your own misdeeds.

170:2.20 By the time the [[John, the Apostle|Apostle John]] began to [[write]] the [[story]] of [[Jesus]]' life and teachings, the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Christianity early Christians] had [[experienced]] so much [[trouble]] with the kingdom-of-God [[idea]] as a breeder of [[persecution]] that they had largely abandoned the use of the term. [[John, the Apostle|John]] talks much about the " [[eternal]] life. " Jesus often spoke of it as the " kingdom of life. " He also frequently referred to " the kingdom of God within you. " He once [[spoke]] of such an [[experience]] as " [[family]] fellowship with [[God the Father]]. " [[Jesus]] sought to substitute many terms for the kingdom but always without [[success]]. Among others, he used: the [[family]] of [[God]], [[the Father]]'s will, the [[friends]] of God, the fellowship of [[believers]], the [[brotherhood]] of [[man]], the Father's fold, the [[children]] of God, the fellowship of the [[faithful]], [[the Father]]'s service, and the [[liberated]] [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_40#40:5._MORTALS_OF_TIME_AND_SPACE sons of God].

170:2.20 By the time the [[John, the Apostle|Apostle John]] began to [[write]] the [[story]] of [[Jesus]]' life and teachings, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Christianity early Christians] had [[experienced]] so much [[trouble]] with the kingdom-of-God [[idea]] as a breeder of [[persecution]] that they had largely abandoned the use of the term. [[John, the Apostle|John]] talks much about the " [[eternal]] life. " Jesus often spoke of it as the " kingdom of life. " He also frequently referred to " the kingdom of God within you. " He once [[spoke]] of such an [[experience]] as " [[family]] fellowship with [[God the Father]]. " [[Jesus]] sought to substitute many terms for the kingdom but always without [[success]]. Among others, he used: the [[family]] of [[God]], [[the Father]]'s will, the [[friends]] of God, the fellowship of [[believers]], the [[brotherhood]] of [[man]], the Father's fold, the [[children]] of God, the fellowship of the [[faithful]], [[the Father]]'s service, and the [[liberated]] [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_40#40:5._MORTALS_OF_TIME_AND_SPACE sons of God].

170:2.21 But he could not [[escape]] the use of the kingdom [[idea]]. It was more than fifty years later, not until after the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Destruction_of_Jerusalem#Destruction_of_Jerusalem destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman armies], that this [[concept]] of the kingdom began to [[change]] into the [[cult]] of [[eternal]] life as its [[social]] and [[institutional]] aspects were taken over by the rapidly expanding and crystallizing [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Christianity Christian church].

170:2.21 But he could not [[escape]] the use of the kingdom [[idea]]. It was more than fifty years later, not until after the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Destruction_of_Jerusalem#Destruction_of_Jerusalem destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman armies], that this [[concept]] of the kingdom began to [[change]] into the [[cult]] of [[eternal]] life as its [[social]] and [[institutional]] aspects were taken over by the rapidly expanding and crystallizing [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Christianity Christian church].

==170:3. IN RELATION TO RIGHTEOUSNESS==

==170:3. IN RELATION TO RIGHTEOUSNESS==

170:3.1 [[Jesus]] was always trying to impress upon his [[apostles]] and [[disciples]] that they must acquire, by [[faith]], a [[righteousness]] which would exceed the righteousness of slavish [[works]] which some of the [[scribes]] and [[Pharisees]] [[parade]]d so [[vaingloriously]] before the world.

170:3.1 [[Jesus]] was always trying to impress upon his [[apostles]] and [[disciples]] that they must acquire, by [[faith]], a [[righteousness]] which would exceed the righteousness of slavish [[works]] which some of the [[scribes]] and [[Pharisees]] [[parade]]d so [[vaingloriously]] before the world.

170:3.2 Though [[Jesus]] taught that [[faith]], [[simple]] childlike [[belief]], is the key to the door of the kingdom, he also taught that, having entered the door, there are the [[progressive]] steps of [[righteousness]] which every believing child must [[ascend]] in order to [[grow]] up to the full stature of the [[robust]] [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_40 sons of God].

170:3.2 Though [[Jesus]] taught that [[faith]], [[simple]] childlike [[belief]], is the key to the door of the kingdom, he also taught that, having entered the door, there are the [[progressive]] steps of [[righteousness]] which every believing child must [[ascend]] in order to [[grow]] up to the full stature of the [[robust]] [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_40 sons of God].

170:3.3 It is in the [[consideration]] of the [[technique]] of [[receiving]] [[God]]'s [[forgiveness]] that the [[attainment]] of the [[righteousness]] of the kingdom is [[revealed]]. [[Faith]] is the price you pay for entrance into the [[family]] of [[God]]; but [[forgiveness]] is the [[act]] of [[God]] which [[accepts]] your [[faith]] as the price of admission. And the [[reception]] of the [[forgiveness]] of [[God]] by a kingdom [[believer]] involves a definite and [[actual]] [[experience]] and consists in the following four steps, the kingdom steps of inner [[righteousness]]:

170:3.3 It is in the [[consideration]] of the [[technique]] of [[receiving]] [[God]]'s [[forgiveness]] that the [[attainment]] of the [[righteousness]] of the kingdom is [[revealed]]. [[Faith]] is the price you pay for entrance into the [[family]] of [[God]]; but [[forgiveness]] is the [[act]] of [[God]] which [[accepts]] your [[faith]] as the price of admission. And the [[reception]] of the [[forgiveness]] of [[God]] by a kingdom [[believer]] involves a definite and [[actual]] [[experience]] and consists in the following four steps, the kingdom steps of inner [[righteousness]]:

*5. The [[transcendency]] of the [[spiritual]] over the [[material]] in [[human]] [[personality]].

*5. The [[transcendency]] of the [[spiritual]] over the [[material]] in [[human]] [[personality]].

170:4.4 This world has never seriously or [[sincerely]] or [[honestly]] tried out these [[dynamic]] [[ideas]] and [[divine]] [[ideals]] of [[Jesus]]' [[doctrine]] of the ''kingdom of heaven''. But you should not become [[discouraged]] by the [[apparently]] slow [[progress]] of the kingdom idea on [[Urantia]]. [[Remember]] that the order of [[progressive]] [[evolution]] is subjected to sudden and unexpected [[periodical]] [[changes]] in both the [[material]] and the [[spiritual]] worlds. The [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_120 bestowal of Jesus] as an [[incarnated]] [[Creator Son|Son]] was just such a [[strange]] and unexpected [[event]] in the spiritual life of the world. Neither make the [[fatal]] mistake, in looking for the age [[manifestation]] of the kingdom, of [[failing]] to [[Self Realization|effect]] its [[establishment]] within your own [[souls]].

170:4.4 This world has never seriously or [[sincerely]] or [[honestly]] tried out these [[dynamic]] [[ideas]] and [[divine]] [[ideals]] of [[Jesus]]' [[doctrine]] of the ''kingdom of heaven''. But you should not become [[discouraged]] by the [[apparently]] slow [[progress]] of the kingdom idea on [[Urantia]]. [[Remember]] that the order of [[progressive]] [[evolution]] is subjected to sudden and unexpected [[periodical]] [[changes]] in both the [[material]] and the [[spiritual]] worlds. The [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_120 bestowal of Jesus] as an [[incarnated]] [[Creator Son|Son]] was just such a [[strange]] and unexpected [[event]] in the spiritual life of the world. Neither make the [[fatal]] mistake, in looking for the age [[manifestation]] of the kingdom, of [[failing]] to [[Self Realization|effect]] its [[establishment]] within your own [[souls]].

170:4.5 Although [[Jesus]] referred one [[phase]] of the kingdom to the [[future]] and did, on numerous occasions, intimate that such an [[event]] might [[appear]] as a part of a world [[crisis]]; and though he did likewise most certainly, on several occasions, definitely [[promise]] sometime to [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_176#176:2._THE_MASTER.27S_SECOND_COMING return] to [[Urantia]], it should be [[recorded]] that he never [[positively]] linked these [[two]] [[ideas]] together. He [[promised]] a new [[revelation]] of the kingdom on [[earth]] and at some [[future]] time; he also [[promised]] sometime to [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_176#176:4._THE_RETURN_OF_MICHAEL come back] to this world in [[person]]; but he did not say that these two [[events]] were synonymous. From all we [[know]] these [[promises]] may, or may not, refer to the same [[event]].

170:4.5 Although [[Jesus]] referred one [[phase]] of the kingdom to the [[future]] and did, on numerous occasions, intimate that such an [[event]] might [[appear]] as a part of a world [[crisis]]; and though he did likewise most certainly, on several occasions, definitely [[promise]] sometime to [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_176#176:2._THE_MASTER.27S_SECOND_COMING return] to [[Urantia]], it should be [[recorded]] that he never [[positively]] linked these [[two]] [[ideas]] together. He [[promised]] a new [[revelation]] of the kingdom on [[earth]] and at some [[future]] time; he also [[promised]] sometime to [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_176#176:4._THE_RETURN_OF_MICHAEL come back] to this world in [[person]]; but he did not say that these two [[events]] were synonymous. From all we [[know]] these [[promises]] may, or may not, refer to the same [[event]].

170:4.6 His [[apostles]] and [[disciples]] most certainly linked these two teachings [[together]]. When the kingdom [[failed]] to [[materialize]] as they had [[expected]], recalling [[the Master]]'s teaching concerning a [[future]] kingdom and remembering his [[promise]] to come again, they jumped to the conclusion that these [[promises]] referred to an identical [[event]]; and therefore they lived in [[hope]] of his immediate [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_coming second coming] to [[establish]] the kingdom in its fullness and with [[power]] and [[glory]]. And so have [[successive]] believing [[generations]] lived on [[earth]] entertaining the same [[inspiring]] but [[disappointing]] [[hope]].

170:4.6 His [[apostles]] and [[disciples]] most certainly linked these two teachings [[together]]. When the kingdom [[failed]] to [[materialize]] as they had [[expected]], recalling [[the Master]]'s teaching concerning a [[future]] kingdom and remembering his [[promise]] to come again, they jumped to the conclusion that these [[promises]] referred to an identical [[event]]; and therefore they lived in [[hope]] of his immediate [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_coming second coming] to [[establish]] the kingdom in its fullness and with [[power]] and [[glory]]. And so have [[successive]] believing [[generations]] lived on [[earth]] entertaining the same [[inspiring]] but [[disappointing]] [[hope]].

==170:5. LATER IDEAS OF THE KINGDOM==

==170:5. LATER IDEAS OF THE KINGDOM==

170:5.1 Having summarized the teachings of [[Jesus]] about the ''kingdom of heaven'', we are [[permitted]] to narrate certain later [[ideas]] which became attached to the [[concept]] of the kingdom and to [[engage]] in a [[prophetic]] [[forecast]] of the kingdom as it may evolve in the [[epoch|age]] to come.

170:5.1 Having summarized the teachings of [[Jesus]] about the ''kingdom of heaven'', we are [[permitted]] to narrate certain later [[ideas]] which became attached to the [[concept]] of the kingdom and to [[engage]] in a [[prophetic]] [[forecast]] of the kingdom as it may evolve in the [[epoch|age]] to come.

170:5.2 Throughout the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Christianity first centuries of the Christian] [[propaganda]], the [[idea]] of the kingdom of [[heaven]] was tremendously [[influenced]] by the then rapidly spreading notions of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idealism#History_of_Idealism Greek idealism], the [[idea]] of the [[natural]] as the [[shadow]] of the [[spiritual]]—the [[temporal]] as the [[time]] [[shadow]] of the [[eternal]].

170:5.2 Throughout the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Christianity first centuries of the Christian] [[propaganda]], the [[idea]] of the kingdom of [[heaven]] was tremendously [[influenced]] by the then rapidly spreading notions of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idealism#History_of_Idealism Greek idealism], the [[idea]] of the [[natural]] as the [[shadow]] of the [[spiritual]]—the [[temporal]] as the [[time]] [[shadow]] of the [[eternal]].

170:5.3 But the great step which marked the transplantation of the teachings of [[Jesus]] from a [[Jewish]] to a [[gentile]] soil was taken when [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism the Messiah] of the kingdom became the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Origins_of_Christianity#Jesus_as_messiah Redeemer of the church], a [[religious]] and [[social]] [[organization]] growing out of the [[activities]] of [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]] and his successors and based on the teachings of [[Jesus]] as they were supplemented by the [[ideas]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philo Philo] and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asha#In_eschatology_and_soteriology Persian] [[doctrines]] of [[good]] and [[evil]].

170:5.3 But the great step which marked the transplantation of the teachings of [[Jesus]] from a [[Jewish]] to a [[gentile]] soil was taken when [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism the Messiah] of the kingdom became the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Origins_of_Christianity#Jesus_as_messiah Redeemer of the church], a [[religious]] and [[social]] [[organization]] growing out of the [[activities]] of [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]] and his successors and based on the teachings of [[Jesus]] as they were supplemented by the [[ideas]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philo Philo] and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asha#In_eschatology_and_soteriology Persian] [[doctrines]] of [[good]] and [[evil]].

170:5.4 The [[ideas]] and [[ideals]] of [[Jesus]], embodied in the teaching of the [[gospel]] of the kingdom, nearly [[failed]] of [[realization]] as his followers [[progressively]] [[distorted]] his pronouncements. [[The Master]]'s [[concept]] of the kingdom was notably [[modified]] by two great [[tendencies]]:

170:5.4 The [[ideas]] and [[ideals]] of [[Jesus]], embodied in the teaching of the [[gospel]] of the kingdom, nearly [[failed]] of [[realization]] as his followers [[progressively]] [[distorted]] his pronouncements. [[The Master]]'s [[concept]] of the kingdom was notably [[modified]] by two great [[tendencies]]:

*1. 170:5.5 The [[Jewish]] [[believers]] [[persisted]] in regarding him as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Origins_of_Christianity#Jewish_messianism the Messiah]. They [[believed]] that [[Jesus]] would very soon return actually to [[establish]] the world-wide and more or less [[material]] kingdom.

*1. 170:5.5 The [[Jewish]] [[believers]] [[persisted]] in regarding him as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Origins_of_Christianity#Jewish_messianism the Messiah]. They [[believed]] that [[Jesus]] would very soon return actually to [[establish]] the world-wide and more or less [[material]] kingdom.

*2. 170:5.6 The [[gentile]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Origins_of_Christianity#Role_of_Jesus Christians] began very early to [[accept]] the [[doctrines]] of [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]], which led increasingly to the general [[belief]] that [[Jesus]] was the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Origins_of_Christianity#Pauline_Christianity Redeemer of the children of the church], the new and [[institutional]] successor of the earlier [[concept]] of the purely [[spiritual]] [[brotherhood]] of the kingdom.

*2. 170:5.6 The [[gentile]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Origins_of_Christianity#Role_of_Jesus Christians] began very early to [[accept]] the [[doctrines]] of [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]], which led increasingly to the general [[belief]] that [[Jesus]] was the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Origins_of_Christianity#Pauline_Christianity Redeemer of the children of the church], the new and [[institutional]] successor of the earlier [[concept]] of the purely [[spiritual]] [[brotherhood]] of the kingdom.

170:5.7 The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_church church], as a [[social]] outgrowth of the kingdom, would have been wholly [[natural]] and even desirable. The [[evil]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_church church] was not its [[existence]], but rather that it almost completely supplanted the [[Jesus]] [[concept]] of the kingdom. [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]]'s [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pauline_Christianity institutionalized church] became a [[virtual]] substitute for the kingdom of heaven which [[Jesus]] had [[proclaimed]].

170:5.7 The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_church church], as a [[social]] outgrowth of the kingdom, would have been wholly [[natural]] and even desirable. The [[evil]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_church church] was not its [[existence]], but rather that it almost completely supplanted the [[Jesus]] [[concept]] of the kingdom. [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]]'s [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pauline_Christianity institutionalized church] became a [[virtual]] substitute for the kingdom of heaven which [[Jesus]] had [[proclaimed]].

170:5.8 But [[doubt]] not, this same ''kingdom of heaven'' which [[the Master]] taught exists within the [[heart]] of the [[believer]], will yet be [[proclaimed]] to this [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_church Christian church], even as to all other [[religions]], [[races]], and [[nations]] on [[earth]]—even to every [[individual]].

170:5.8 But [[doubt]] not, this same ''kingdom of heaven'' which [[the Master]] taught exists within the [[heart]] of the [[believer]], will yet be [[proclaimed]] to this [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_church Christian church], even as to all other [[religions]], [[races]], and [[nations]] on [[earth]]—even to every [[individual]].

170:5.9 The kingdom of [[Jesus]]' teaching, the [[spiritual]] [[ideal]] of [[individual]] [[righteousness]] and the [[concept]] of man's [[divine]] [[fellowship]] with [[God]], became [[gradually]] submerged into the [[mystic]] [[conception]] of the [[person]] of [[Jesus]] as the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redeemer_%28Christianity%29 Redeemer]-[[Creator]] and [[spiritual]] head of a socialized [[religious]] [[community]]. In this way a [[formal]] and [[institutional]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_church church] became the substitute for the [[individually]] [[spirit]]-[[led]] [[brotherhood]] of the kingdom.

170:5.9 The kingdom of [[Jesus]]' teaching, the [[spiritual]] [[ideal]] of [[individual]] [[righteousness]] and the [[concept]] of man's [[divine]] [[fellowship]] with [[God]], became [[gradually]] submerged into the [[mystic]] [[conception]] of the [[person]] of [[Jesus]] as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redeemer_%28Christianity%29 Redeemer]-[[Creator]] and [[spiritual]] head of a socialized [[religious]] [[community]]. In this way a [[formal]] and [[institutional]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_church church] became the substitute for the [[individually]] [[spirit]]-[[led]] [[brotherhood]] of the kingdom.

170:5.10 The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_church church] was an [[inevitable]] and useful [[social]] [[result]] of [[Jesus]]' life and teachings; the [[tragedy]] consisted in the [[fact]] that this [[social]] [[reaction]] to the teachings of the kingdom so fully displaced the [[spiritual]] [[concept]] of the real kingdom as [[Jesus]] taught and lived it.

170:5.10 The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_church church] was an [[inevitable]] and useful [[social]] [[result]] of [[Jesus]]' life and teachings; the [[tragedy]] consisted in the [[fact]] that this [[social]] [[reaction]] to the teachings of the kingdom so fully displaced the [[spiritual]] [[concept]] of the real kingdom as [[Jesus]] taught and lived it.

170:5.11 The kingdom, to the [[Jews]], was the [[Israel]]ite [[community]]; to the [[gentiles]] it became the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_church Christian church]. To [[Jesus]] the kingdom was the sum of those [[individuals]] who had [[confessed]] their [[faith]] in the [[fatherhood]] of [[God]], thereby declaring their wholehearted [[dedication]] to the [[doing of the will of God]], thus becoming members of the [[spiritual]] [[brotherhood]] of man.

170:5.11 The kingdom, to the [[Jews]], was the [[Israel]]ite [[community]]; to the [[gentiles]] it became the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_church Christian church]. To [[Jesus]] the kingdom was the sum of those [[individuals]] who had [[confessed]] their [[faith]] in the [[fatherhood]] of [[God]], thereby declaring their wholehearted [[dedication]] to the [[doing of the will of God]], thus becoming members of the [[spiritual]] [[brotherhood]] of man.

170:5.12 [[The Master]] fully [[realized]] that certain [[social]] results would appear in the world as a [[consequence]] of the spread of the [[gospel]] of the kingdom; but he [[intended]] that all such desirable [[social]] [[manifestations]] should [[appear]] as [[unconscious]] and [[inevitable]] outgrowths, or [[natural]] fruits, of this [[Inner Life|inner]] [[personal]] [[experience]] of [[individual]] [[believers]], this [[purely]] [[spiritual]] [[fellowship]] and [[communion]] with the [[Thought Adjuster|divine spirit]] which indwells and activates all such believers.

170:5.12 [[The Master]] fully [[realized]] that certain [[social]] results would appear in the world as a [[consequence]] of the spread of the [[gospel]] of the kingdom; but he [[intended]] that all such desirable [[social]] [[manifestations]] should [[appear]] as [[unconscious]] and [[inevitable]] outgrowths, or [[natural]] fruits, of this [[Inner Life|inner]] [[personal]] [[experience]] of [[individual]] [[believers]], this [[purely]] [[spiritual]] [[fellowship]] and [[communion]] with the [[Thought Adjuster|divine spirit]] which indwells and activates all such believers.

170:5.13 [[Jesus]] foresaw that a [[social]] [[organization]], or [[church]], would follow the [[progress]] of the true [[spiritual]] kingdom, and that is why he never [[opposed]] [[the apostles]]' [[practicing]] the [[rite]] of [[John the Baptist|John]]'s [[baptism]]. He taught that the [[truth]]-loving [[soul]], the one who [[hungers]] and [[thirsts]] for [[righteousness]], for [[God]], is admitted by [[faith]] to the spiritual kingdom; at the same time the [[apostles]] taught that such a [[believer]] is admitted to the [[social]] [[organization]] of [[disciples]] by the outward rite of [[baptism]].

170:5.13 [[Jesus]] foresaw that a [[social]] [[organization]], or [[church]], would follow the [[progress]] of the true [[spiritual]] kingdom, and that is why he never [[opposed]] [[the apostles]]' [[practicing]] the [[rite]] of [[John the Baptist|John]]'s [[baptism]]. He taught that the [[truth]]-loving [[soul]], the one who [[hungers]] and [[thirsts]] for [[righteousness]], for [[God]], is admitted by [[faith]] to the spiritual kingdom; at the same time the [[apostles]] taught that such a [[believer]] is admitted to the [[social]] [[organization]] of [[disciples]] by the outward rite of [[baptism]].

170:5.14 When [[Jesus]]' [[immediate]] followers recognized their partial [[failure]] to [[realize]] his [[ideal]] of the [[establishment]] of the kingdom in the [[hearts]] of men by the [[spirit]]'s [[domination]] and [[guidance]] of the [[individual]] [[believer]], they set about to save his teaching from being wholly lost by substituting for [[the Master]]'s [[ideal]] of the kingdom the [[gradual]] [[creation]] of a visible [[social]] [[organization]], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_church Christian church]. And when they had accomplished this program of substitution, in order to maintain [[consistency]] and to provide for the [[recognition]] of [[the Master]]'s teaching regarding the [[fact]] of the kingdom, they [[proceeded]] to set the kingdom off into the [[future]]. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sociological_classifications_of_religious_movements#Church_and_ecclesia church], just as soon as it was well [[established]], began to teach that the kingdom was in [[reality]] to appear at the culmination of the Christian age, at the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_coming second coming of Christ].

170:5.14 When [[Jesus]]' [[immediate]] followers recognized their partial [[failure]] to [[realize]] his [[ideal]] of the [[establishment]] of the kingdom in the [[hearts]] of men by the [[spirit]]'s [[domination]] and [[guidance]] of the [[individual]] [[believer]], they set about to save his teaching from being wholly lost by substituting for [[the Master]]'s [[ideal]] of the kingdom the [[gradual]] [[creation]] of a visible [[social]] [[organization]], the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_church Christian church]. And when they had accomplished this program of substitution, in order to maintain [[consistency]] and to provide for the [[recognition]] of [[the Master]]'s teaching regarding the [[fact]] of the kingdom, they [[proceeded]] to set the kingdom off into the [[future]]. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sociological_classifications_of_religious_movements#Church_and_ecclesia church], just as soon as it was well [[established]], began to teach that the kingdom was in [[reality]] to appear at the culmination of the Christian age, at the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_coming second coming of Christ].

170:5.15 In this [[manner]] the kingdom became the [[concept]] of an [[Epoch|age]], the [[idea]] of a [[future]] [[visitation]], and the [[ideal]] of the final [[redemption]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saints saints] of the [[Most High]]. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Christianity early Christians] (and all too many of the later ones) generally lost sight of [[the Father]]-and-[[Sonship|son]] [[idea]] embodied in [[Jesus]]' teaching of the kingdom, while they substituted therefor the well-[[organized]] [[social]] [[fellowship]] of the [[church]]. The church thus became in the main a [[social]] brotherhood which effectively displaced [[Jesus]]' [[concept]] and [[ideal]] of a [[spiritual]] [[brotherhood]].

170:5.15 In this [[manner]] the kingdom became the [[concept]] of an [[Epoch|age]], the [[idea]] of a [[future]] [[visitation]], and the [[ideal]] of the final [[redemption]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saints saints] of the [[Most High]]. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Christianity early Christians] (and all too many of the later ones) generally lost sight of [[the Father]]-and-[[Sonship|son]] [[idea]] embodied in [[Jesus]]' teaching of the kingdom, while they substituted therefor the well-[[organized]] [[social]] [[fellowship]] of the [[church]]. The church thus became in the main a [[social]] brotherhood which effectively displaced [[Jesus]]' [[concept]] and [[ideal]] of a [[spiritual]] [[brotherhood]].

170:5.16 [[Jesus]]' [[ideal]] [[concept]] largely [[failed]], but upon the [[foundation]] of [[the Master]]'s [[personal]] life and teachings, supplemented by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_ancient_Greece Greek] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persian_religion Persian] [[concepts]] of [[eternal]] life and augmented by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philo Philo]'s [[doctrine]] of the [[temporal]] [[contrast]]ed with the [[spiritual]], [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]] went forth to build up one of the most [[progressive]] [[human]] [[societies]] which has ever existed on [[Urantia]].

170:5.16 [[Jesus]]' [[ideal]] [[concept]] largely [[failed]], but upon the [[foundation]] of [[the Master]]'s [[personal]] life and teachings, supplemented by the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_ancient_Greece Greek] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persian_religion Persian] [[concepts]] of [[eternal]] life and augmented by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philo Philo]'s [[doctrine]] of the [[temporal]] [[contrast]]ed with the [[spiritual]], [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]] went forth to build up one of the most [[progressive]] [[human]] [[societies]] which has ever existed on [[Urantia]].

170:5.17 The [[concept]] of [[Jesus]] is still alive in the advanced [[religions]] of the world. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pauline_Christianity Paul's Christian church] is the [[socialized]] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humanism humanized] [[shadow]] of what [[Jesus]] [[intended]] the ''kingdom of heaven'' to be—and what it most certainly will yet become. [[Paul, the Apostle|Paull] and his successors partly [[transferred]] the issues of [[eternal]] life from the [[individual]] to the [[church]]. [[Christ]] thus became the head of the [[church]] rather than the [[elder]] [[brother]] of each [[individual]] [[believer]] in [[the Father]]'s [[family]] of the kingdom. [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]] and his contemporaries applied all of [[Jesus]]' [[spiritual]] implications regarding himself and the [[individual]] [[believer]] to the [[church]] as a [[group]] of [[believers]]; and in doing this, they struck a deathblow to [[Jesus]]' [[concept]] of the [[divine]] kingdom in the [[heart]] of the [[individual]] believer.

170:5.17 The [[concept]] of [[Jesus]] is still alive in the advanced [[religions]] of the world. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pauline_Christianity Paul's Christian church] is the [[socialized]] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humanism humanized] [[shadow]] of what [[Jesus]] [[intended]] the ''kingdom of heaven'' to be—and what it most certainly will yet become. [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]] and his successors partly [[transferred]] the issues of [[eternal]] life from the [[individual]] to the [[church]]. [[Christ]] thus became the head of the [[church]] rather than the [[elder]] [[brother]] of each [[individual]] [[believer]] in [[the Father]]'s [[family]] of the kingdom. [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]] and his contemporaries applied all of [[Jesus]]' [[spiritual]] implications regarding himself and the [[individual]] [[believer]] to the [[church]] as a [[group]] of [[believers]]; and in doing this, they struck a deathblow to [[Jesus]]' [[concept]] of the [[divine]] kingdom in the [[heart]] of the [[individual]] believer.

170:5.18 And so, for centuries, the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Christianity Christian church] has labored under great [[embarrassment]] because it [[dared]] to lay claim to those [[mysterious]] [[powers]] and [[privileges]] of the kingdom, powers and privileges which can be [[exercised]] and [[experienced]] only between [[Jesus]] and his [[spiritual]] believer [[brothers]]. And thus it becomes [[apparent]] that membership in the [[church]] does not necessarily mean fellowship in the kingdom; one is [[spiritual]], the other mainly [[social]].

170:5.18 And so, for centuries, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Christianity Christian church] has labored under great [[embarrassment]] because it [[dared]] to lay claim to those [[mysterious]] [[powers]] and [[privileges]] of the kingdom, powers and privileges which can be [[exercised]] and [[experienced]] only between [[Jesus]] and his [[spiritual]] believer [[brothers]]. And thus it becomes [[apparent]] that membership in the [[church]] does not necessarily mean fellowship in the kingdom; one is [[spiritual]], the other mainly [[social]].

170:5.19 Sooner or later another and greater [[John the Baptist]] is due to arise [[proclaiming]] " the kingdom of God is at hand "—meaning a return to the high [[spiritual]] [[concept]] of [[Jesus]], who [[proclaimed]] that the kingdom is the will of his [[heavenly Father]] [[dominant]] and [[transcendent]] in the [[heart]] of the believer—and doing all this without in any way referring either to the visible [[church]] on [[earth]] or to the [[anticipated]] [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_176#176:2._THE_MASTER.27S_SECOND_COMING second coming of Christ]. There must come a revival of the actual teachings of [[Jesus]], such a restatement as will undo the [[work]] of his early followers who went about to create a socio-philosophical [[system]] of [[belief]] regarding the [[fact]] of [[Michael]]'s [[sojourn]] on [[earth]]. In a short time the teaching of this [[story]] about [[Jesus]] nearly supplanted the preaching of [[Jesus]]' [[gospel]] of the kingdom. In this way a [[Tradition|historical]] [[religion]] displaced that teaching in which [[Jesus]] had blended man's highest [[moral]] [[ideas]] and [[spiritual]] [[ideals]] with man's most [[sublime]] [[hope]] for the [[future]]—[[eternal]] life. And that was the [[gospel]] of the kingdom.

170:5.19 Sooner or later another and greater [[John the Baptist]] is due to arise [[proclaiming]] " the kingdom of God is at hand "—meaning a return to the high [[spiritual]] [[concept]] of [[Jesus]], who [[proclaimed]] that the kingdom is the will of his [[heavenly Father]] [[dominant]] and [[transcendent]] in the [[heart]] of the believer—and doing all this without in any way referring either to the visible [[church]] on [[earth]] or to the [[anticipated]] [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_176#176:2._THE_MASTER.27S_SECOND_COMING second coming of Christ]. There must come a revival of the actual teachings of [[Jesus]], such a restatement as will undo the [[work]] of his early followers who went about to create a socio-philosophical [[system]] of [[belief]] regarding the [[fact]] of [[Michael]]'s [[sojourn]] on [[earth]]. In a short time the teaching of this [[story]] about [[Jesus]] nearly supplanted the preaching of [[Jesus]]' [[gospel]] of the kingdom. In this way a [[Tradition|historical]] [[religion]] displaced that teaching in which [[Jesus]] had blended man's highest [[moral]] [[ideas]] and [[spiritual]] [[ideals]] with man's most [[sublime]] [[hope]] for the [[future]]—[[eternal]] life. And that was the [[gospel]] of the kingdom.

170:5.20 It is just because the [[gospel]] of [[Jesus]] was so many-sided that within a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Christianity#Early_heresies few centuries] students of the [[records]] of his teachings became divided up into so many [[cults]] and [[sects]]. This pitiful subdivision of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Christianity Christian believers] results from [[failure]] to [[discern]] in [[the Master]]'s manifold teachings the [[divine]] [[Union|oneness]] of his matchless life. But someday the true [[believers]] in [[Jesus]] will not be thus spiritually divided in their [[attitude]] before unbelievers. Always we may have [[diversity]] of [[intellectual]] [[comprehension]] and [[interpretation]], even varying [[degrees]] of [[socialization]], but lack of spiritual [[brotherhood]] is both inexcusable and reprehensible.

170:5.20 It is just because the [[gospel]] of [[Jesus]] was so many-sided that within a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Christianity#Early_heresies few centuries] students of the [[records]] of his teachings became divided up into so many [[cults]] and [[sects]]. This pitiful subdivision of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Christianity Christian believers] results from [[failure]] to [[discern]] in [[the Master]]'s manifold teachings the [[divine]] [[Union|oneness]] of his matchless life. But someday the true [[believers]] in [[Jesus]] will not be thus spiritually divided in their [[attitude]] before unbelievers. Always we may have [[diversity]] of [[intellectual]] [[comprehension]] and [[interpretation]], even varying [[degrees]] of [[socialization]], but lack of spiritual [[brotherhood]] is both inexcusable and reprehensible.

170:5.21 Mistake not! there is in the teachings of [[Jesus]] an [[eternal]] [[nature]] which will not [[permit]] them forever to remain unfruitful in the [[hearts]] of [[thinking]] men. The kingdom as [[Jesus]] [[conceived]] it has to a large extent [[failed]] on [[earth]]; for the time being, an outward [[church]] has taken its place; but you should [[comprehend]] that this [[church]] is only the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larva larval] [[stage]] of the thwarted [[spiritual]] kingdom, which will carry it through this [[Materialism|material]] [[Epoch|age]] and over into a more [[spiritual]] dispensation where [[the Master]]'s teachings may enjoy a fuller [[opportunity]] for [[development]]. Thus does the so-called [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Christianity Christian church] become the [[cocoon]] in which the kingdom of [[Jesus]]' [[concept]] now [[slumbers]]. The kingdom of the [[divine]] [[brotherhood]] is still alive and will [[eventually]] and certainly come forth from this long submergence, just as surely as the butterfly eventually emerges as the [[beautiful]] [[unfolding]] of its less [[attractive]] [[creature]] of [[metamorphic]] [[development]].

170:5.21 Mistake not! there is in the teachings of [[Jesus]] an [[eternal]] [[nature]] which will not [[permit]] them forever to remain unfruitful in the [[hearts]] of [[thinking]] men. The kingdom as [[Jesus]] [[conceived]] it has to a large extent [[failed]] on [[earth]]; for the time being, an outward [[church]] has taken its place; but you should [[comprehend]] that this [[church]] is only the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larva larval] [[stage]] of the thwarted [[spiritual]] kingdom, which will carry it through this [[Materialism|material]] [[Epoch|age]] and over into a more [[spiritual]] dispensation where [[the Master]]'s teachings may enjoy a fuller [[opportunity]] for [[development]]. Thus does the so-called [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Christianity Christian church] become the [[cocoon]] in which the kingdom of [[Jesus]]' [[concept]] now [[slumbers]]. The kingdom of the [[divine]] [[brotherhood]] is still alive and will [[eventually]] and certainly come forth from this long submergence, just as surely as the butterfly eventually emerges as the [[beautiful]] [[unfolding]] of its less [[attractive]] [[creature]] of [[metamorphic]] [[development]].

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[[Category: PART IV: The Life and Teachings of Jesus]]

[[Category: PART IV: The Life and Teachings of Jesus]]