Aug 1989 - Q & A

Hebrews 12:28. What kingdom do we receive "which cannot be shaken" and in what sense is this expression w be understood in the light of the history of God's New Testament people?

As the text is dealing with a comparison of the experience of God's Old Covenant people with those of this dispensation it can be safely understood that the kingdom here corresponds to that which was first conferred on obedient Israel (Ex. 19:6) and subsequently transferred to faithful disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:32): this is frequently termed in the New Testament "the kingdom of God". Priestly service acceptable to God is the context here and such service is a product of this kingdom (Lev. 1:6) and is undertaken in the house of God (Heb. 10:21), which comprises the totality of the churches of God (1 Tim. 3:15).

The shaking referred to in the question is a judicial action of God, its purpose being to remove that which is not of Himself so that divine approval can be seen for the kingdom that remains. This accords with the prophecy of Haggai (2:6-7) quoted here.

It is evident from the early chapters of Revelation that churches of God soon began to deviate in doctrine and practice from the divine pattern. This inevitably brought cleansing action from God - described in one instance as the removal of the lampstand (Rev. 2:5); effectively the cessation of the local church, despite any shell of continuing religious activity. Sadly, it is evident that eventually all the churches were taken away in such judgement. Thus the house, but not the kingdom, of God ceased to exist, a condition which persisted for long centuries. Divine judgement removed the lamp~ stands and with them the earthly evidence of the spiritual and continuing reality of the kingdom of God. Here we may note the principle drawn from Matthew 21:43 and Luke 12:32 that despite the failure of men leading to mutual rejection (John 1:11; Mat. 23:38), the kingdom remains pending its transfer by God to more worthy recipients.

What then remained of this kingdom, awaiting willing subjects who would keep its abiding rules of service? The heavenly sanctuary, in which those within the kingdom of God may worship in spirit, remains (Heb. 8:1,2; 10:19). Moreover, God upon His throne remains: "a consuming fife". We do well to remember that in relation to the present day expression of the kingdom of God in the churches of God He will exercise judgement, if necessary even to the exclusion again of all men from such privileged service in the heavenly sanctuary. The kingdom is unshakable, but as truly as it has been received, so it can be taken away; the doctrine and practice of disciples together ever must conform to the divine pattern if judgement is to be avoided.

unknown | Aug 1989
Question And Answer