Chapter 5

Showing that the poor in spirit are enriched with a kingdom.

Matthew 5:3. Theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Here is high preferment for the saints — they shall be advanced to a kingdom. There are some who, aspiring after earthly greatness, talk of a temporal reign here; but then God's church on earth should not be militant but triumphant. Surely the saints shall reign in a glorious manner: theirs is the kingdom of heaven. A kingdom is held the highest pinnacle and top of all worldly felicity, and this honor have all the saints. By the kingdom of heaven is meant that state of glory which the saints shall enjoy when they shall reign with God and the angels forever, sin, hell, and death being fully subdued. For the illustration of this I shall show first wherein the saints in heaven are like kings.

Wherein the saints glorified may be compared to kings.

Kings have their insignia or regalia, their ensigns of royalty and majesty.

Kings have their crowns; so the saints after death have their crown royal (Revelation 2:10): be faithful unto death, and I will give you a crown of life. Believers are not only pardoned but crowned; the crown is an ensign of honor, not for every one — it only fits the heads of kings and persons of renown. The crown which the poor in spirit shall wear in heaven is an honorable crown; God himself installs them into their honor and sets the crown royal upon their head. This crown is divinely orient and illustrious, exceeding all others.

It is more pure; other crowns, though made of pure gold, yet are mixed metal — they have their troubles. A crown of gold cannot be made without thorns; it has so many vexations belonging to it that it is apt to make the head ache. Cyrus said that if men knew what cares he sustained under the imperial crown, they would not stoop to take it up. But the saints' crown is made without crosses; it is not mingled with care of keeping or fear of losing. This crown, like David's harp, drives away the evil spirit of sorrow and disquiet; there can be no more grief in heaven than there is joy in hell.

This crown of glory does not draw envy to it; David's own son envied him and sought to take his crown. A princely crown is often the mark for envy and ambition to shoot at; but the crown the saints shall wear is free from envy. One saint shall not envy another, because all are crowned; and though one crown may be larger than another, every one shall have as large a crown as he is able to carry.

This is a never-fading crown; corona haec non fit ex rosis aut gemmis — other crowns quickly wear away and tumble into the dust (Proverbs 27:4): does the crown endure to all generations? Henry the sixth was honored with the crowns of two kingdoms — France and England; the first was lost through the faction of his nobles, the other was twice plucked from his head. The crown has many heirs and successors; the crown is a withering thing; death is a worm that feeds in it. But the crown of glory is immarcessible, it fades not away (1 Peter 5:4); it is not like the rose that loses its gloss and verdancy. This crown cannot be made to wither, but like the flower we call Semper vivens it keeps always fresh and splendent. Eternity is a jewel of the saints' crown.

Kings have their robes; the robe is a garment with which kings are arrayed. The king of Israel and the king of Judah sat clothed in their robes (2 Chronicles 18:19); the robe was of scarlet, or velvet lined with ermine, sometimes of a purple color, sometimes of an azure brightness. Thus the saints shall have their robes (Revelation 7:9): I beheld a great multitude which no man could number of all nations and kindreds, clothed in white robes. The saints' robes signify their glory and splendor; and white robes denote their sanctity — they have no sin to taint or defile their robes; in these robes they shall shine as the angels.

Kings have their scepters in token of rule and greatness; King Ahasuerus held out to Esther the golden scepter (Esther 5:2). The saints in glory have their scepter and palms in their hands (Revelation 7). It was a custom of great conquerors to have palm-branches in hand in token of victory; so the saints have palms, an emblem of victory and triumph over sin and hell (Revelation 12:11): they overcame by the blood of the Lamb.

Kings have their thrones; when Caesar returned from conquering his enemies, a chair of ivory was set for him. Thus the saints in heaven shall have a throne of glory (Revelation 3:21). It shall be a high throne, seated above all the kings and princes of the earth — far above all heavens (Ephesians 4). There is the aerial heaven, the space from earth to the sphere of the moon; the starry heaven, where are the stars and higher planets; and the empyrean heaven, called the third heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2). In this glorious sublime place shall the throne of the saints be erected. It is also a safe throne; other thrones stand tottering (Psalm 73:18); but the saints' throne is sure (Revelation 3:21): he who overcomes shall sit with me upon my throne. O you people of God, think of this; though now you may be called to the bar, yet shortly you shall sit upon the throne.

Showing wherein the kingdom of heaven excels other kingdoms.

Having shown wherein the saints in glory are like kings, let us next see wherein the kingdom of heaven exceeds other kingdoms.

It exceeds in the founder and maker; other kingdoms have men for their builders, but this kingdom has God for its builder (Hebrews 11:10). Heaven is said to be made without hands (2 Corinthians 5:1), to show the excellency of it; neither man nor angel could ever lay a stone in this building; God himself erects this kingdom.

This kingdom excels in the riches of it; gold does not so much surpass iron as this kingdom surpasses all other riches. The gates are of pearl (Revelation 21:21) and the foundations are garnished with all precious stones. It is said kings shall throw down their crowns and scepters before it, counting all their glory but dust in comparison. This kingdom has deity itself to enrich it, and these riches are such as neither the heart of man can conceive nor the tongue of angel express.

This kingdom exceeds in the perfection of it; other kingdoms are defective — they must trade abroad to supply their wants at home. King Solomon sent for gold to Ophir (2 Chronicles 8:18); but there is no defect in the kingdom of heaven. Revelation 21:7: he that overcomes shall inherit all things. Here is beauty, wisdom, glory, and magnificence; here is the tree of life in the midst of this paradise; all things are to be found here but sin and sorrow, the absence of which adds to the fullness.

It excels in security; other kingdoms fear either foreign invasions or intestine divisions. Solomon's kingdom was peaceable awhile, but at last he had an alarm given him by the enemy (1 Kings 11:4). But the kingdom of heaven is so impregnable that it fears no hostile assaults or inroads. The devils are said to be locked up in chains (Jude 6); the saints in heaven shall no more need fear them than a man fears a thief robbing who is hanged up in chains. The gates of this celestial kingdom are not shut at all by day (Revelation 21:25); we shut the gates of the city in a time of danger, but the gates of that kingdom always stand open, to show that there is no fear of the approach of an enemy. The kingdom has gates for the magnificence of it, but the gates are not shut because of the secureness of it.

This kingdom excels in its stability; other kingdoms have vanity written upon them — they cease and are changed; though they may have a head of gold, yet feet of clay. Hosea 1:4: I will cause the kingdom to cease. Kingdoms have their climacteric year: where is the glory of Athens? the pomp of Troy? What is become of the Assyrian, Grecian, Persian monarchy? Those kingdoms are demolished and laid in the dust. But the kingdom of heaven has eternity written upon it; it is an everlasting kingdom (2 Peter 1:11). Other kingdoms may be lasting, but not everlasting; the apostle calls it a kingdom that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28). It is fastened upon a strong basis — the omnipotency of God; it runs parallel with eternity. Revelation 22:5: they shall reign for ever and ever.

Showing that this kingdom shall be certainly and infallibly entailed upon the saints.

I shall next clear the truth of this proposition — that the saints shall be possessed of this kingdom — from two grounds.

In regard of God's free-grace (Luke 12:32): it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. God has freely resolved to do this; it is his will and pleasure. God's will is the most unalterable thing in the world.

There is a price paid; Jesus Christ has shed his blood for it; all the saints' right to the kingdom is purchased by Christ's death. It is a purchased kingdom; Christ bought it with his blood — and shall we question whether the saints shall have what cost Christ so dear?

The several corollaries and inferences drawn from the point.

Use 1. Information. It shows us that religion is no unreasonable thing; God does not cut us out work and give no reward; godliness enthrones us in a kingdom. When we hear of the doctrine of repentance — steeping our souls in brinish tears for sin; the doctrine of mortification, pulling out the right eye, beheading the king-sin — we are ready to think it is hard to take down this bitter pill. But here is that in the text which may sweeten it; there is a kingdom behind, and that will make amends for all. This glorious recompense does as far exceed our thoughts as it does surpass our deserts; no man can say without wrong to God that he is a hard master. God gives double pay; he bestows a kingdom upon those that fear him. Satan may disparage the ways of God like those spies that raised an ill report of the good land (Numbers 13:32), but will Satan mend your wages if you serve him? He gives damnable pay; instead of a kingdom, chains of darkness (Jude 6).

2. See here the mercy and bounty of God, that has prepared a kingdom for his people; it is a favor that we poor worms, and no men, should be suffered to live; but that worms should be made kings, this is divine bounty; it is mercy to pardon us, but it is rich mercy to crown us: Behold, what manner of love is this! Earthly princes may bestow great gifts on their subjects, but they keep the kingdom to themselves; though Pharaoh advanced Joseph to honor, and gave him a ring from his finger, yet he kept the kingdom to himself (Genesis 41:40): Only in the throne I will be greater than you; but God gives a kingdom to his people, he sets them upon the throne. How does David admire the goodness of God in bestowing upon him a temporal kingdom (2 Samuel 7:18)! Then went King David in, and sat before the Lord, and said, Who am I O Lord God! And what is my house, that you have brought me this far! He wondered that God should take him from the sheepfold, and set him on the throne! That God should turn his shepherd's staff into a scepter! O then how may the saints admire the riches of grace, that God should give them a kingdom, above all the princes of the earth; nay, far above all heavens! God thinks nothing too good for his children. We many times think much of a tear, a prayer, or to sacrifice a sin for him; but he does not think much to bestow a kingdom upon us: How will the saints read over the lessons of free grace in heaven, and trumpet forth the praises of that God who has crowned them with loving kindness!

3. It shows us that Christianity is no disgraceful thing. Wise men measure things by the end; what is the end of godliness? It brings a kingdom; a man's sin brings him to shame (Proverbs 13:5; Romans 6:21): What fruit had you in those things of which you are now ashamed? But religion brings to honor (Proverbs 4:8); it brings a man to a throne, a crown, it ends in glory; it is the sinner's folly to reproach a saint; it is just as if Shimei had reproached David, when he was going to be made king; it is a saint's wisdom to contemn a reproach; say as David, when he danced before the ark, I will yet be more vile (2 Samuel 6:22). If to pray and hear, and serve my God be to be vile, I will yet be more vile: This is my excellency, my glory; I am doing now that which will bring me to a kingdom: O think it no disgrace to be a Christian. I speak it chiefly to you who are entering upon the ways of God; perhaps you may meet with such as will reproach and censure you; bind their reproaches as a crown about your head, despise their censure as much as their praise; remember, there is a kingdom entailed upon godliness. Sin draws hell after it, grace draws a crown after it.

4. See here that which may make the people of God long for death; then they shall enter upon their kingdom. Indeed the wicked may fear death; it will not lead them to a kingdom, but a prison; hell is the jail where they must lie rotting forever with the devil and his angels. To every christless person death is the king of terror; but the godly may long for death, it will prefer them to a kingdom. When Scipio's father had told him of that glory the soul should be invested with in a state of immortality; why then says Scipio, do I tarry thus long upon the earth? Why do I not hasten to die? Believers are not perfectly happy till death. When Croesus asked Solon who he thought happy? He told him one Tellus, a man that was dead; a Christian at death shall be completely installed into his honor; the anointing oil shall be poured on him, and the crown royal set upon his head. The Thracians in their funerals used music. The heathens had their funeral banquet, because of that felicity which they supposed the parties deceased were entered into; The saints are now heirs of the kingdom (James 2:5). Does not the heir desire to be crowned?

Truly, there is enough to wean us, and make us willing to be gone from here. The saints eat ashes like bread, they are here in a suffering condition. Psalm 141:7: Our bones are scattered at the grave's mouth, as when one cuts and cleaves wood upon the earth. When a man hews, and cuts a tree, the chips fly up and down, here and there a chip: so here a saint wounded, there a saint massacred; our bones fly like chips up and down; for your sake are we killed all the day long (Romans 8:36). But there is a kingdom coming, when the body is buried, the soul is crowned. Who would not be willing to sail in a storm if he were sure to be crowned as soon as he came ashore? How is it that the godly look so ghastly at the thoughts of death, as if they were rather going to their execution, than their coronation? Though we should be willing to stay here awhile to do service; yet we should with Saint Paul, desire to be dissolved and be with Christ. The day of a believer's dissolution is the day of his inauguration.

Containing a scrutiny, and trial whether we belong to this kingdom.

Use 2. But how shall we know that this glorious kingdom shall be settled upon us at death? 1. If God have set up his kingdom within us. Luke 17:21: The kingdom of God is within you; by the kingdom of God there is meant the kingdom of grace in the heart. Grace may be compared to a kingdom, it sways the scepter, it gives out laws, there is the law of love; Grace beats down the devil's garrisons, it brings the heart into a sweet subjection to Christ; Now is this kingdom of grace set up in your heart? Do you rule over your sins? Can you bind those kings in chains? Are you a king over your pride, passion, unbelief? Is the kingdom of God within you? While others aspire after earthly greatness, and labor for a kingdom without them, do you labor for a kingdom within you? Certainly if the kingdom of grace be in your heart, you shall have the kingdom of glory. If God's kingdom enters into you, you shall enter into his kingdom. But let not that man ever think to reign in glory, who lives a slave to his lusts.

If you are a believer, you shall go to this blessed Kingdom. James 2:5: Rich in faith, heirs of the Kingdom. Faith is an heroic act of the soul; it makes a holy adventure on God, by a promise; this is the crowning grace. Faith puts us into Christ, and our title to the Crown comes in by Christ. By faith we are born of God, and so we become children of the blood-royal. By faith our hearts are purified (Acts 15:9), and so we are made fit for a Kingdom; rich in faith, heirs of the Kingdom. Faith paves a causeway to heaven; believers die heirs to the Crown.

He that has a noble, kingly spirit, shall go to the heavenly Kingdom. Set your affection on things above (Colossians 3:2). Do you live in the world, above the world? The eagle does not catch flies; she soars aloft in the air. Do you pant after glory and immortality? Do you have a brave, majestic spirit, a heavenly ambition? Do you mind the favor of God, the peace of Zion, the salvation of your soul? Do you abhor what is sordid and below you? Alexander would not exercise at the Olympic games. Can you trample upon all earthly things? Is heaven in your eye, and Christ in your heart, and the world under your feet? He who has such a kingly spirit, that looks no lower than a Crown, he shall dwell on high, and have his throne mounted far above all heavens.

A serious exhortation to Christians.

Use 3. Exhortation. And it has a double aspect; it looks, first, toward the wicked. Is there a Kingdom to be had, a Kingdom so enameled and bespangled with glory? Oh then do not by your folly make yourselves incapable of this preferment; do not for the satisfying a base lust forfeit a Kingdom. Do not drink away a Kingdom; do not for the lap of pleasure lose the Crown of life. If men before they committed a sin, would but sit down and rationally consider whether the present gain and sweetness in sin would make up for the loss of a Kingdom, I believe it would put them into a cold sweat, and give some check to their unbridled affections. Jacob took Esau by the heel. Look not upon the smiling face of sin, but take it by the heel; look at the end of it — it will deprive you of a Kingdom. And can anything make amends for that loss? Is it not madness, for the unfruitful works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11), to lose a Kingdom? How will the devil at the last day reproach and laugh at men that they should be so stupidly foolish as to forgo a Crown for a rattle! Like those Indians, who for pictures and glass beads will part with their gold. Surely it will much contribute to the vexation of the damned to think how foolishly they missed a Kingdom.

The exhortation looks toward the godly; and it exhorts to two things. First, is there a Kingdom in reversion? Then let this be a motive to duty; do all the service you can for God while you live; spend and be spent. The reward is honorable; the thoughts of a Kingdom should add wings to prayer, and fire to zeal. What honor and dignity has been done to Mordecai? said King Ahasuerus (Esther 6:3). Inquire what has been done for God. What love have you shown to his Name? What zeal for his glory? Where is the head of that Goliath-lust you have slain for his sake? We should sometimes go aside into our closets and weep, to consider how little work we have done for God. What a vast disproportion there is between our service and our reward! What is all our weeping and fasting compared to a Kingdom? Improve all your interest for God; make seasons of grace, opportunities for service.

That you may act more vigorously for God, know and be assured: the more work you do, the more glory you shall have. Every saint shall have a Kingdom; but the more service any man does for God, the greater will be his Kingdom. There are degrees of glory, which I prove thus:

First, because there are degrees of torments in hell (Luke 20, last verse): They shall receive greater damnation. They who make religion a cloak for their sin shall have a hotter place in hell. Now if there are degrees of torment in hell, then by the rule of contraries there are degrees of glory in the Kingdom of heaven.

Second, seeing God in his free grace rewards men according to their works, therefore the more service they do, the greater shall their reward be. Revelation 22:12: Behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his works shall be. He that has done more shall receive more; he whose pound gained ten was made ruler over ten cities (Luke 19:16). This may very much excite to excellence in religion. The more the lamp of your grace shines, the more you shall shine in the heavenly realm. Would you have your Crown brighter, your Kingdom larger, your palm branches more flourishing? Be Christians of degrees; do much work in a little time. While you are laying out, God is laying up; the more glory you bring to God, the more glory you shall have from God.

Walk worthy of this Kingdom (1 Thessalonians 2:12): That you would walk worthy of God who has called you to his Kingdom. Live as kings; let the majesty of holiness appear in your faces. Those who looked on Stephen saw his face as it had been the face of an angel (Acts 6:15). A kind of angelic brightness was seen in his face. When we shine in zeal, humility, and gravity, this beautifies and honors us in the eyes of others, and makes us look as those who are heirs apparent to a Crown.

Use 4. Here is comfort to the people of God in case of poverty; God has provided them a Kingdom. Theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. A child of God is often so low in the world that he has not a foot of land to inherit; he is poor in purse, as well as poor in spirit. But here is a fountain of consolation opened; the poorest saint who has lost all his golden fleece is heir to a Kingdom — a Kingdom which excels all the Kingdoms and Principalities of the world, more than pearl or diamond excels brass; it is peerless and endless. The hope of a Kingdom, says Basil, should carry a Christian with courage and cheerfulness through all his afflictions. And it is a saying of Luther: The sea of God's mercy overflowing in spiritual blessings should drown all the sufferings of this life. What though you go now in rags? You shall have your white robes. What though you are fed as Daniel with plain fare? You shall feast when you come into the Kingdom. Here you drink the water of tears, but shortly you shall drink the wine of Paradise. Be comforted with the thoughts of a Kingdom.

Showing that the poor in spirit are enriched with a kingdom.

Matthew 5:3: "For theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Here is the highest honor for the saints — they will be elevated to a kingdom. Some, longing for earthly greatness, speak of a temporal reign here on earth. But then God's church on earth would not be a church militant but a church triumphant. The saints will reign in a truly glorious way: theirs is the kingdom of heaven. A kingdom is considered the highest summit of all earthly greatness, and this honor belongs to all the saints. By the kingdom of heaven is meant that state of glory in which the saints will reign with God and the angels forever, with sin, hell, and death fully conquered. I will show first in what ways the saints in heaven are like kings.

In what ways the glorified saints can be compared to kings.

Kings have their royal symbols — the marks of royalty and majesty.

Kings have their crowns. After death, the saints likewise have their royal crown (Revelation 2:10): "Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." Believers are not only pardoned but crowned. The crown is a mark of honor — it does not fit just anyone; it belongs only to kings and persons of great renown. The crown the poor in spirit will wear in heaven is a crown of true honor. God Himself installs them in that honor and places the royal crown on their head. This crown is divinely radiant and glorious, surpassing all others.

It is more pure. Other crowns, though made of fine gold, are still mixed — they come with their troubles. A crown of gold is inseparable from thorns. It carries so many troubles and burdens that it is likely to give the head beneath it headaches. Cyrus said that if people knew what cares he bore under the imperial crown, they would not stoop to pick it up. But the saints' crown is made without crosses — it is free from the anxiety of keeping it or the fear of losing it. This crown, like David's harp, drives away every spirit of sorrow and unrest. There can be no more grief in heaven than there is joy in hell.

This crown of glory does not attract envy. David's own son envied him and tried to take his crown. An earthly crown is often the target of envy and ambition. But the crown the saints will wear is free from envy. One saint will not envy another, because all are crowned. And though one crown may be larger than another, every person will receive a crown exactly as large as he is able to carry.

This is a crown that will never fade. Other crowns quickly wear out and fall to dust (Proverbs 27:24): "A crown is not for all generations." Henry VI wore the crowns of two kingdoms — France and England. The first was lost through the scheming of his nobles; the second was twice pulled from his head. A crown has many heirs and successors. The crown is a fading thing — death is a worm that eats away at it. But the crown of glory does not fade (1 Peter 5:4). It is not like a rose that loses its color and freshness. This crown cannot wither. Like the flower called Semper vivens — ever-living — it stays always fresh and radiant. Eternity is the chief jewel in the saints' crown.

Kings have their robes — garments in which kings are arrayed. The king of Israel and the king of Judah sat clothed in their robes (2 Chronicles 18:9). The robe was of scarlet or velvet lined with white fur — sometimes purple, sometimes a brilliant blue. In the same way, the saints will have their robes (Revelation 7:9): "I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes, clothed in white robes." The saints' robes signify their glory and radiance, and the white robes signify their purity — they carry no sin to stain or soil their robes. In these robes they will shine like the angels.

Kings have their scepters as symbols of rule and greatness. King Ahasuerus extended the golden scepter to Esther (Esther 5:2). The saints in glory have their scepters and palm branches in their hands (Revelation 7). It was the custom of great conquerors to carry palm branches as a sign of victory. In the same way, the saints carry palms — a symbol of their victory and triumph over sin and hell (Revelation 12:11): "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb."

Kings have their thrones. When Caesar returned from conquering his enemies, a chair of ivory was set for him. In the same way, the saints in heaven will have a throne of glory (Revelation 3:21). It will be a high throne, elevated above all the kings and princes of the earth — "far above all heavens" (Ephesians 4:10). There is the atmospheric heaven — the space from earth to the sphere of the moon; the starry heaven, where the stars and higher planets are; and the highest heaven, called the third heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2). In this glorious, sublime place the throne of the saints will be set. It is also a secure throne. Other thrones stand on slippery ground (Psalm 73:18), but the saints' throne is sure (Revelation 3:21): "He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne." You people of God — think on this. Though you may now be brought before courts of judgment, you will soon sit upon the throne.

Showing in what ways the kingdom of heaven surpasses all other kingdoms.

Having shown in what ways the saints in glory are like kings, let us now see in what ways the kingdom of heaven surpasses all other kingdoms.

It surpasses in its builder. Other kingdoms have men as their builders, but this kingdom has God as its builder (Hebrews 11:10). Heaven is said to be "not made with hands" (2 Corinthians 5:1), to show its excellence. No man or angel could ever lay a stone in this building — God Himself erects this kingdom.

This kingdom surpasses in its riches. Gold does not surpass iron by as great a margin as this kingdom surpasses all other wealth. Its gates are made of pearl (Revelation 21:21), and its foundations are decorated with every kind of precious stone. It is said that kings will throw down their crowns and scepters before it, counting all their earthly glory as dust by comparison. This kingdom has God Himself as its treasure, and these riches are such that neither the human heart can conceive them nor the tongue of an angel express them.

This kingdom surpasses in its completeness. Other kingdoms are lacking — they must import from abroad what they cannot supply at home. King Solomon sent for gold to Ophir (2 Chronicles 8:18). But there is no deficiency in the kingdom of heaven. Revelation 21:7: "He who overcomes will inherit these things." Here is beauty, wisdom, glory, and magnificence. Here is the tree of life in the midst of this paradise. Everything is found here except sin and sorrow — and their absence only adds to the fullness.

This kingdom surpasses in its security. Other kingdoms live in fear of foreign invasion or internal division. Solomon's kingdom was peaceful for a time, but eventually he received a warning from his enemies (1 Kings 11:14). The kingdom of heaven, however, is so impregnable that it fears no hostile attack or invasion. The devils are said to be bound in chains (Jude 6). The saints in heaven will fear them no more than a person fears a thief who has been chained up and hanged. The gates of this heavenly kingdom are never shut, even by day (Revelation 21:25). We shut city gates when there is danger, but the gates of that kingdom stand always open — showing that no enemy can approach. The kingdom has gates to show its magnificence, but they are not shut because no security is needed.

This kingdom surpasses in its permanence. Other kingdoms have vanity written on them — they come to an end and are replaced. Though they may have a head of gold, they stand on feet of clay. Hosea 1:4: "I will bring the kingdom to an end." Kingdoms have their critical turning points. Where is the glory of Athens? The splendor of Troy? What has become of the Assyrian, Greek, and Persian empires? Those kingdoms have been demolished and buried in the dust. But the kingdom of heaven has eternity written on it — it is an everlasting kingdom (2 Peter 1:11). Other kingdoms may last a long time, but not forever. The Apostle calls it "a kingdom which cannot be shaken" (Hebrews 12:28). It rests on an unshakeable foundation — the omnipotence of God — and runs parallel with eternity. Revelation 22:5: "They will reign forever and ever."

Showing that this kingdom will certainly and without fail be secured for the saints.

I will now establish the truth of this point — that the saints will possess this kingdom — on two grounds.

First, God's free grace: Luke 12:32: "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom." God has freely resolved to do this. It is His will and good pleasure. God's will is the most unchangeable thing in existence.

Second, a price has been paid. Jesus Christ shed His blood for it. The saints' right to the kingdom was purchased by Christ's death. It is a purchased kingdom. Christ bought it with His blood — and shall we doubt whether the saints will receive what cost Christ so dearly?

The various conclusions and applications drawn from this point.

Use 1: This shows us that true religion is no unreasonable demand. God does not set us to work and then leave us without reward — godliness leads to a throne. When we hear of the doctrine of repentance — soaking our souls in tears of grief over sin — or the doctrine of self-denial, pulling out the right eye and putting the ruling sin to death — we are tempted to think it is a bitter pill to swallow. But the text gives us something to sweeten it with: there is a kingdom at the end, and that makes up for everything. This glorious reward exceeds our thoughts as much as it surpasses what we deserve. No one can honestly say that God is a harsh master. God gives double wages — He bestows a kingdom on those who fear Him. Satan may slander the ways of God, like those spies who brought a bad report about the good land (Numbers 13:32). But will Satan improve your wages if you serve him? His payment is damnation — not a kingdom, but chains of darkness (Jude 6).

2. See here the mercy and generosity of God, who has prepared a kingdom for His people. It is already a favor that we poor worms of the earth are allowed to live at all. But that worms should be made kings — this is divine generosity beyond measure. It is mercy to pardon us, but it is lavish mercy to crown us. "See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us!" Earthly rulers may give great gifts to their subjects but keep the kingdom for themselves. Though Pharaoh elevated Joseph to honor and gave him his own ring, he kept the kingdom to himself (Genesis 41:40): "Only in the throne will I be greater than you." But God gives a kingdom to His people — He sets them on the throne. How amazed David was at God's goodness in giving him an earthly kingdom (2 Samuel 7:18)! "Then David the king went in and sat before the Lord, and he said, 'Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far?'" He marveled that God would take him from the sheepfold and set him on the throne — that God would turn his shepherd's staff into a scepter! How much more, then, should the saints stand in awe of the riches of grace — that God would give them a kingdom above all the princes of the earth, far above all heavens! God thinks nothing too good for His children. We often think twice before shedding a tear, offering a prayer, or sacrificing a sin for Him. Yet He does not hesitate to give us a kingdom. How the saints will read over the lessons of free grace in heaven and trumpet forth the praises of the God who has crowned them with loving kindness!

3. This shows us that the Christian life is not a shameful thing. Wise people judge things by where they end up. Where does godliness end? It ends in a kingdom. Sin leads a person to shame (Proverbs 13:5; Romans 6:21): "What benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed?" But true religion leads to honor (Proverbs 4:8). It leads to a throne and a crown; it ends in glory. It is a fool's move for the sinner to reproach a saint — it is exactly as if Shimei had mocked David on the very day he was about to be crowned king. A saint's wisdom is to treat reproach with contempt. Say with David, when he danced before the ark: "I will be even more undignified than this" (2 Samuel 6:22). "If to pray, to hear, to serve my God is to be contemptible, then I will be more so. This is my excellence, my glory — I am doing now what will bring me to a kingdom." Think it no disgrace to be a Christian. I speak this especially to those who are just beginning to walk in God's ways. You may meet people who will mock and criticize you. Wear their mockery as a crown on your head and despise their criticism as much as their approval. Remember: there is a kingdom secured for godliness. Sin drags hell after it; grace draws a crown after it.

4. See here what should make God's people long for death — for in death they will enter their kingdom. The wicked may well fear death. It will not lead them to a kingdom but to a prison. Hell is the dungeon where they must lie rotting forever with the devil and his angels. For every person without Christ, death is the king of terrors. But the godly may long for death — it will promote them to a kingdom. When Scipio's father had described the glory the soul would be clothed in at the resurrection, Scipio asked: "Then why do I linger so long on this earth? Why don't I hasten to die?" Believers are not completely happy until death. When Croesus asked Solon who he thought was the happiest person, Solon named one Tellus — a man who was already dead. At death a Christian will be fully installed in his honor. The anointing oil will be poured on him and the royal crown placed on his head. The Thracians celebrated at funerals with music. The pagans held funeral feasts, thinking the deceased had entered into a state of happiness. The saints are already heirs of the kingdom (James 2:5). Does not the heir long for the day of his coronation?

There is truly enough to loosen our grip on this world and make us willing to leave it. The saints eat ashes like bread here — they live in a condition of suffering. Psalm 141:7: "Our bones are scattered at the mouth of Sheol, as when one plows and breaks open the earth." When a man chops a tree, the chips fly in every direction — here a chip, there a chip. In the same way: here a saint wounded, there a saint killed. Our bodies are scattered like chips. "For Your sake we are being put to death all day long" (Romans 8:36). But a kingdom is coming — when the body is buried, the soul is crowned. Who would refuse to sail through a storm if he knew for certain he would be crowned the moment he reached shore? How strange that God's people look so grim at the thought of death, as though they were going to an execution rather than a coronation. Though we should be willing to remain here for a while longer to serve God, we should still say with Paul: "I desire to depart and be with Christ." The day of a believer's death is the day of his inauguration.

Containing an examination and test of whether we belong to this kingdom.

Use 2: How can we know that this glorious kingdom will be ours at death? 1. If God has set up His kingdom within us. Luke 17:21: "The kingdom of God is within you." By the kingdom of God here is meant the kingdom of grace in the heart. Grace can be compared to a kingdom — it wields the scepter, it issues its laws, and there is the law of love. Grace tears down the devil's strongholds and brings the heart into a sweet submission to Christ. Has this kingdom of grace been established in your heart? Do you rule over your sins? Can you bind those proud rulers in chains? Are you a king over your pride, your anger, your unbelief? Is the kingdom of God within you? While others strive for earthly greatness and labor to build a kingdom around themselves, are you laboring to build a kingdom within yourself? Certainly, if the kingdom of grace is in your heart, you will have the kingdom of glory. If God's kingdom enters into you, you will enter into His kingdom. But let no one ever think to reign in glory who lives as a slave to his desires.

If you are a believer, you will go to this blessed kingdom. James 2:5: "Rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom." Faith is a heroic act of the soul — it makes a bold step toward God on the basis of a promise. This is the crowning grace. Faith places us in Christ, and our title to the crown comes through Christ. Through faith we are born of God and become children of the royal bloodline. Through faith our hearts are purified (Acts 15:9), and so we are made fit for a kingdom. "Rich in faith, heirs of the kingdom." Faith paves the road to heaven. Believers die as heirs to the crown.

The person with a noble, kingly spirit will go to the heavenly kingdom. "Set your mind on the things above" (Colossians 3:2). Do you live in the world while rising above it? The eagle does not catch flies — she soars high in the sky. Do you long for glory and immortality? Do you have a bold, royal spirit — a heavenly ambition? Do you care about the favor of God, the peace of the church, and the salvation of your soul? Do you despise what is base and beneath you? Alexander would not compete at the Olympic games — he considered them too small for him. Can you trample on all earthly things? Is heaven in your sight, Christ in your heart, and the world under your feet? The person with such a kingly spirit — one who sets his sights on nothing less than a crown — will dwell on high and have his throne set far above all heavens.

A sincere exhortation to Christians.

Use 3: Exhortation. This exhortation looks in two directions — first, toward the wicked. There is a kingdom to be had — a kingdom gleaming and shining with glory. Do not foolishly disqualify yourself from this honor. Do not forfeit a kingdom to satisfy a base desire. Do not drink away a kingdom. Do not trade the crown of life for a moment of pleasure. If people would pause before sinning and soberly consider whether the immediate satisfaction of sin was worth losing a kingdom, I believe it would send a chill through them and put some restraint on their uncontrolled desires. Jacob grabbed Esau by the heel. Do not look at sin's smiling face — grab it by the heel and look at where it leads. It will rob you of a kingdom. And can anything make up for that loss? Is it not madness to lose a kingdom for the worthless works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11)? On the last day, how the devil will mock and laugh at people who were so foolish as to trade a crown for a toy — Like those native people who give away their gold for pictures and glass beads. It will add greatly to the torment of the damned to realize how stupidly they threw away a kingdom.

This exhortation also looks toward the godly, and it urges two things. First: there is a kingdom held in reserve for you. Let this motivate you to faithful service. Give all the service you can to God while you live. Spend yourself fully. The reward is honorable. The thought of a kingdom should add wings to prayer and fire to zeal. "What honor and recognition has been given to Mordecai?" asked King Ahasuerus (Esther 6:3). Ask yourself: What have I done for God? What love have you shown for His name? What zeal have you shown for His glory? Where is the head of that Goliath-sin you have slain for His sake? We should sometimes withdraw to our private rooms and weep over how little we have done for God. How vast the gap between our service and our reward! What is all our weeping and fasting compared to a kingdom? Make the most of every opportunity to serve God. Turn seasons of grace into opportunities for service.

To move you to act more vigorously for God, know this and be assured: the more work you do, the more glory you will have. Every saint will have a kingdom — but the more service any person renders to God, the greater that kingdom will be. There are degrees of glory, which I establish as follows:

First, because there are degrees of torment in hell (Luke 20:47): "These will receive greater condemnation." Those who use religion as a cover for their sin will have a hotter place in hell. Now if there are degrees of torment in hell, then by the opposite principle, there are degrees of glory in the kingdom of heaven.

Second, since God in His grace rewards people according to their works, the more service they do, the greater their reward will be. Revelation 22:12: "Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done." The one who has done more will receive more. The servant whose pound earned ten more was made ruler over ten cities (Luke 19:16). This should strongly motivate us to excellence in the Christian life. The brighter the lamp of your grace shines here, the more brightly you will shine in the heavenly realm. Do you want your crown to be brighter, your kingdom larger, your palm branches more flourishing? Be a Christian of high degree — do much work in a short time. While you are pouring out for God, God is storing up for you. The more glory you bring to God, the more glory you will receive from God.

Walk worthy of this kingdom (1 Thessalonians 2:12): "that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory." Live as kings. Let the majesty of holiness be visible in your faces. Those who looked at Stephen saw his face was like the face of an angel (Acts 6:15). A kind of angelic brightness was visible in him. When we shine in zeal, humility, and seriousness, it honors and beautifies us in the eyes of others — and makes us appear as those who are heirs apparent to a crown.

Use 4: Here is comfort for God's people who are poor. God has prepared a kingdom for them. "Theirs is the kingdom of heaven." A child of God is often so low in this world that he has not a foot of land to call his own. He is poor in pocket as well as poor in spirit. But here is a fountain of consolation opened up: the poorest saint, who has lost everything, is heir to a kingdom — a kingdom that surpasses all the kingdoms and dominions of this world more than a pearl surpasses brass. It is peerless and endless. The hope of a kingdom, says Basil, should carry a Christian forward with courage and joy through all his afflictions. And Luther said: "The ocean of God's mercy overflowing in spiritual blessings should drown all the sufferings of this present life." What if you walk in rags now? You will have your white robes. What if you are fed like Daniel on plain food? You will feast when you enter the kingdom. Here you drink the water of tears — but soon you will drink the wine of paradise. Take comfort in the thought of a kingdom.