Does it exist already, or is it only going to be established in the future? Or, is it only something 'in the hearts of men'?
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In the Bible, the phrases "the Kingdom of God" and "the Kingdom of Heaven" (or "of
the Heavens") are used interchangeably. The same goes for the phrases "the Reign
of God" and "the Reign of the Heavens" (or "of Heaven") which some bible-versions
have. But what is the Kingdom of God? Where is it located? There is also
the question, does it exist already, or is it only going to be established in the
future? Or, is it only something "in the hearts of men" as some have claimed, quoting
the translation "within you" in Luke 17:21?
There are many views regarding what God's Reign or Kingdom really is or means, and regarding where, when and how it is or is to come. Many preachers have claimed that their church supposedly is "the Kingdom of God" (or its "embryo"), with a ruler (a "deputy" or "representative" of God) present, and so on. But, that is not true. (There is more on these things, below.) And, some have claimed, perhaps because of the way certain translations render Luke 17:21, that the Kingdom of God (the Reign of God) supposedly is not tangible or real at all but only something "in the hearts of men". But, as will be shown, that is a misunderstanding. Further, some have claimed that it is this world, the planet Earth, that supposedly is (or will be) "God's Kingdom" or "God's Reign", but that is not true either.
The important question is, what does the Bible say about the Kingdom of God or the Kingdom of Heaven? This essay takes a closer look at that matter. Also the claim that God's Kingdom is merely something "in the hearts of men", will be considered, including Luke 17:21 and the word entos. And, more.
A note: The essay eo10d.htm has more on Matthew 6:31-33 and Luke 12:31-32 and the phrase "seek you first the Kingdom of God" and what those words really meant. The essay eb08c.htm has more on Matthew 16:19 and "the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven" or "the keys of the Reign of Heaven". The essay eb04c.htm contains a study on whether the saints were to go to Heaven; the essays eb05b.htm and ex11b.htm consider related matters. This present essay will not cover all those details in depth but will instead take a broader look at the matter of God's Reign.
In Matthew 6:33, the Greek word is basileia, which meant such things as "reign" or "kingdom" (and also, "the right to rule"). The related word basileus meant "ruler", "master", "chief", "captain", "king" and so on. (Some think that those words might be related to basis, but the etymology is not clear.) There is more on the words basileia, basileus and basileuô, later in this essay.
The relevant Greek phrases in the New Testament are hê basileia tôn Ouranôn and hê basileia tou Theou (and similar; in Matthew 6:33, the exact spelling is tên basilean ton Theou). For the most part, those phrases are best translated as "the Reign of Heaven" and "the Reign of God".
The old Roman type Earth- and man-centred "theology" causes people think that God only has this tiny planet to reign over, and that he supposedly has trusted those things into the hands of a proxy, some "vice-ruler" here on Earth. But, that is nonsense.
Obviously, the Reign of God encompasses this entire universe, the heavenly sphere – and who knows what more. It is likewise obvious that Heaven, and God's throne there, is the government seat of all of that Reign.
Why is that? Simply because this world is still in the hands of wicked rebel spirits (and their fleshly cronies). In the future, Jesus will returns as the Lord of lords, for the specific purpose of putting the Reign of God into effect here on Earth also, just as it is in effect in Heaven and, we can assume, elsewhere in this universe. When Jesus comes, the rebels who today control this planet, will be put to nothing.
Again: The Reign of God is not in effect on this planet today. As anyone can easily see that. Nor was it in effect on this planet when Jesus lived here. That is why the so-called "model prayer" says (Matthew 6:9):
"Hallowed be your name. Your Reign come, your will be done. On Earth, as it is [done] in Heaven"
Today, the true God's name is not being hallowed here on Earth, nor is his will being done here. And, his Reign is not in effect here. This world is in rebel hands. But, Jesus told his disciples to pray for a change in that sad state of things.
More in that prayer:
"And deliver us from evil: For yours is the Reign, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen."
"Yours is", and so on – praying in that way, means admitting that the right to rule belongs to God. Praying in that manner, is the same as asking the true God who is in Heaven and to whom rule and honour belongs, to free (deliver) mankind from its oppressors and put an end to the rule of wicked rebel spirits here on Earth. And, to bring God's Reign into effect even here, so that the will of God will be done also here, just as it is done in Heaven. Only then will God's name be really hallowed here on Earth, the way it is hallowed in Heaven.
The essays ec05c.htm and eb11c.htm have more on that "model prayer" (Matthew 6:9-13).
Many preachers want people to think that the rulers of this world supposedly are "appointed by God", and even, "continually in his service", but all open-minded people can easily see that it is not so. That is a mere misconception which is based on misleading bible-translations.
The Bible makes it clear that when Jesus returns, the rulers of this world will fight against him. But, he will conquer and destroy them. The essays ew02c.htm has more on this world's present rulers. The essay ew01b.htm considers the question, why God allows evil, pain and suffering.
The first New Testament passage which literally refers to God's Reign (or Kingdom), is Matthew 3:2. The Greek text has the wording hê basileia tôn Ouranôn. The KJ version with its archaic language renders that passage this way:
Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (KJV-1769)
Those words are easy to misinterpret. One must remember that this planet is not ruled by Heaven today. Rebels are still in control here (rebels: wicked spirits and their fleshly cronies). It is only when Jesus returns, that the Reign of Heaven will come into effect here.
Regarding Matthew 3:2 – it is obvious that Jesus was not telling those people that God's Reign would come into effect here on Earth, soon after he had said those words. So, what was it that he really meant? What was he actually talking about?
There are different ways to view that matter. The Living Oracles translation has one of them:
Matthew 3:2 Reform, for the Reign of Heaven approaches. (LO)
Literally, the Greek means something like "Reform, because the Reign of God has drawn near." But, Jesus said that about 2000 years ago, and still this planet is controlled by wicked powers even today. This makes it clear that Jesus did not mean that God would put an end to the rebel rule here on Earth, back in those days. In other words, the translation "approaches" must be wrong. Consequently, one must look for some other explanation as to what Jesus really meant.
YLT has that verse as follows:
Matthew 3:2 and saying, 'Reform, for come nigh hath the reign of the heavens' (YLT)
"Reign". The Greek word in question was basileia. The Online Bible's Greek-English lexicon has this on that word:
1) royal power, kingship, dominion, rule
1a) not to be confused with an actual kingdom but rather the right or authority
to rule over a kingdom
1b) of the royal power of Jesus as the triumphant Messiah
1c) of the royal power and dignity conferred on Christians in the Messiah's kingdom
2) a kingdom, the territory subject to the rule of a king
3) used in the N. T. to refer to the reign of the Messiah
(There is a bit more on the relevant Greek words and their use in the New Testament, later in this essay.)
It seems that when it comes to Matthew 3:2, it is point 1 which is most relevant: "Royal power", "kingship", "dominion", "rule". In other words: It was Jesus himself, the Son of God from Heaven, who was the basileia which had "drawn near" on the occasion recorded in Matthew 3:2. He was and is the Ruler. That is: Jesus was the Reign of God in person. But, that did not mean that Jesus would at that time put an end to the rebellion which was and is in process here on Earth. That only meant that the Reign of God was present at that time, and had "come near" those people, in the person of Jesus the Son of God.
The time when God's Reign will come into effect on this planet, is still in the future. That will only occur when Jesus returns in power, as the Ruler, and destroys the rebels.
Luke 17:20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: {with...: or, with outward shew} 21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. {within you: or, among you} (KJV-1769, with footnotes from the Online Bible's KJ module)
Now, was Jesus saying, "the Reign of God is among you", or, "the Reign of God is inside you"? The Greek word which is central here, was entos (opposite to ektos). The only other use of that word in the New Testament is found in Matthew 23:26, in the phrase "the inside of the cup". But, one can learn more about how the old Greek word entos was used, in the LXX, the Greek Septuagint translation of the Old Testament:
The LXX has the word entos in Psalms 39:3 ("my heart grew hot within me"; 38:3 in the LXX numbering), Psalms 103:1 ("all within me"; 102:1 in the LXX numbering), Psalms 109:22 ("my heart is troubled within me"; 108:22 in the LXX numbering), Song of Solomon 3:10 ("in the midst of it"), Isaiah 16:11 ("my inward parts"), Daniel 10:16 ("within me"; see the LXX). One could also consider the related word entosthios which meant "intestinal".
Thus, on the surface, that would seem to give support to the "within you" dogma. However, Luke 17:20-21 was about the Pharisees. It was to the Pharisees Jesus said, as the Greek text records it, hê basileia tou Theou entos humôn estin, "the Kingdom of God is among you". Taking into consideration the fact that Jesus condemned the Pharisees, asked them how they thought they were going to escape the gehenna judgment, and warned people about the Pharisees and their teachings – considering those things and more, it is totally inconceivable that Jesus would have meant that the Reign of God would have been "inside" those Pharisees. (The essay eo12c.htm has more on the Pharisees.) Because of this as well as for other reasons, the obvious conclusion is that Jesus must have meant that the Reign of God was at that moment present in the midst of those Pharisees – in the form of Jesus himself. He was there, Jesus the Son of God who represented God and his Reign. That must be what the last part of Luke 17:21 means and refers to.
(The Online Bible's 1599 Geneva Bible footnotes module has this comment on Luke 17:21: "You look around for the Messiah as though he were absent, but he is amongst you in the midst of you.")
We read:
John 18:36 Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here." (NRSV)
"This world", Greek tou kosmou toutou. Did Jesus mean "a world", or, "an age"? One could ask, does that really matter? Jesus' Reign, which is the same as God's Reign and government, is not located here on this world. It is not based on this planet. It is located and based in Heaven which is where God's throne is. So, even in that way it is clear that God's Reign is not "of this world" (or planet).
And then: When the Lord lived here on Earth as a human, God's Reign was not in effect on the planet Earth, and it is not that today either. Thus, it is also true that (here on Earth), God's Reign was not and is not "of this age". It is only in the future, after the destruction of the wicked spirit rebels (and their servants) who still control this planet, that even this planet will come to be included within God's awesome Reign. That will happen when Jesus returns. That is why he will return – to put to nothing the rebels who rule this world (planet), so that even this world (planet) will become part of God's huge Reign.
The book of Psalms has this:
Psalms 103:19 The LORD has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything. (NLT-04)
Psalms 103:19 The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty rules over all. (NASB-95)
Again: God's Reign is based in Heaven, and it has existed for times longer than human beings can fathom. And obviously, it rules this entire universe, as well as the heavenly sphere.
But right now, that Reign is not in effect on this planet, because wicked, rebel spirits and their fleshly cronies are still in control here. That is what Jesus will rectify when he comes again, this time as the Ruler. In those coming days, he will crush the rebels who today run and control this planet. When that has been done, even this planet will become a part of God's great, Heaven-based Reign.
A note: These things may be hard to understand for those who have been caused to think that God's Reign does not really exist yet but supposedly is only to be "established", at a later time, here on Earth. Some preachers have even claimed that some time in the future, God supposedly will reject and abandon his holy dwelling and throne in Heaven and move to the planet Earth. But the Bible mentions no such abandonment of God's holy dwelling and government seat in Heaven. Further, some preachers have poisoned the minds of their followers and have caused them to have a deep aversion against Heaven. Because of that, some people have even greater difficulties with understanding the matter of the Reign of Heaven. But, the Bible has only good things to say about Heaven. The essays eb04c.htm, eb05b.htm and ex11b.htm have more on Heaven.
In the Greek text of the New Testament, there are several words which are related to "reign" and "reigning". Among them are basileia which meant such things as "royal power", "kingship", "dominion" and "rule", basileus which meant "leader", "master", "ruler", "judge", "chief", "commander", and basileuô which meant "to reign", "to rule", "to be a governor" and so on.
Here are some examples of how those words were used in the New Testament:
Matthew 2:22 and having heard that Archelaus doth reign [basileuô] over Judea instead of Herod his father, he was afraid to go thither, and having been divinely warned in a dream, he withdrew to the parts of Galilee (YLT, comment added)
Matthew 5:3 'Happy the poor in spirit—because theirs is the reign [basileia] of the heavens. (YLT, comment added)
Matthew 6:10 'Thy reign [basileia] come: Thy will come to pass, as in heaven also on the earth. (YLT, comment added)
Matthew 9:35 And Jesus was going up and down all the cities and the villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the reign [basileia], and healing every sickness and every malady among the people. (YLT, comment added)
Luke 1:33 and he shall reign [basileuô] over the house of Jacob to the ages; and of his reign [basileia] there shall be no end.' (YLT, comments added)
Luke 19:14 and his citizens were hating him, and did send an embassy after him, saying, We do not wish this one to reign [basileuô] over us. (YLT, comment added)
Romans 5:14 but the death did reign [basileuô] from Adam till Moses, even upon those not having sinned in the likeness of Adam's transgression, who is a type of him who is coming. (YLT, comment added)
1 Corinthians 15:24 then—the end, when he may deliver up the reign [basileia] to God, even the Father, when he may have made useless all rule, and all authority and power (YLT, comment added)
Colossians 1:13 who did rescue us out of the authority of the darkness, and did translate us into the reign [basileia] of the Son of His love (YLT, comment added)
Explanation of the phrase "did translate us" – the English word "translate" comes from the Latin translatus which was the perfect participle form of the verb transfero. Newer bible-versions have "transferred", or similar.
1 Thessalonians 2:12 for your walking worthily of God, who is calling you to His own reign [basileia] and glory. (YLT, comment added)
2 Timothy 4:1 I do fully testify, then, before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who is about to judge living and dead at his manifestation and his reign [basileia] (YLT, comment added)
Revelation 19:6 and I heard as the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, 'Alleluia! because reign did the Lord God—the Almighty! [basileuô]. (YLT, comment added)
A note: Revelation 19:6 refers to things which John saw in a vision and which will happen in the future.
(2 Timothy 4:1 refers to the time of Judgment which begins when Jesus returns – or actually, two times of Judgment of different kinds. The essay et07e.htm has more on this.)
Many preachers have quoted this passage:
Matthew 16:19 and I will give to thee the keys of the reign of the heavens, and whatever thou mayest bind upon the earth shall be having been bound in the heavens, and whatever thou mayest loose upon the earth shall be having been loosed in the heavens.' (YLT)
This passage is not about someone being made a "door-keeper", nor is it about "ecclesiastic hierarchies". Also: Even though Jesus on that specific occasion was addressing Peter, that promise was not only for him. Other bible-passages show that the other disciples were promised the same as Peter. Because, Matthew 16:19 obviously refers to this:
Luke 12:31 but, seek ye the reign of God, and all these things shall be added to you. 32 'Fear not, little flock, because your Father did delight to give you the reign [basileia] (YLT, comment added)
We know where that Reign is based: In Heaven. The disciples were promised that they would reign together with Jesus. Other bible-passages show that they would rule where Jesus rules, sharing his "ruler's seat". And, we know where Jesus is seated together with his Father: In Heaven.
The idiom "being given keys to a reign" meant that one was put to rule over something. That is what Matthew 16:19 is all about. Jesus promised his disciples that they (not people of our day but they) would take part in the administration of the Reign of God.
The essay eb08c.htm has more on Matthew 16:19 and the "keys of the Reign on Heaven" (or "the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven" as some translations have it). Luke 12:31 is related to Matthew 6:33 which records how Jesus said to his disciples, "seek you first the Kingdom of God (Reign of God). The essay eo10d.htm considers Matthew 6:33 and what Jesus really meant.
A note: Many preachers, and many bible-versions, have caused people to think that the present-day rulers of this world supposedly are "appointed by God" and "continually in his service". But that is not true. This planet is still controlled by wicked, rebel spirits. When Jesus returns, the rulers of this world will fight against him, but he will conquer and destroy them. The essay ew02c.htm has more on this.
Some preachers mislead people by calling God's Reign a "kingdom" and then talking about the "area", "subjects" and "law" of such a "kingdom", as if those things were here on Earth (and only here), and as if God's Reign did not yet exist.
Even though there might be a few valid aspects to some of the words those preachers use in such a context, the main thrust of what they say is severely misleading. The following will consider those points.
"Area." Obviously, the Reign of God encompasses this entire universe, and also the heavenly sphere which we humans cannot see. (The planet Earth is an exception to that right now, because rebels are in power here.) Thus, preachers who make people believe that God's Reign really "does not exist yet" or that it supposedly consists of some "church" here on Earth, are deceivers. (The essays ea01d.htm, eg06b.htm, ea02d.htm and ea03d.htm have more on churches.)
"Subjects." Who knows how many subjects God's Reign has! Or, in what parts of this universe they live. We humans have heard about Heaven which is the "government seat" of the Reign of God, and then we know about the Earth where God's Reign is not in effect right now. But, that's about all we know. We simply do not know what God's great Reign really contains. Many Earth-centred preachers have claimed that there supposedly is no (physical) life elsewhere in this universe. But is there any proof of that? Is there any reason to think that there would not be life elsewhere? No. Many interpret the Bible in a very Earth-centred way, but that is neither proper nor right. And then, one must not forget the heavenly sphere, either.
"Law." A lot of preachers have made all kinds of claims as to what the "law" of God's Reign supposedly is. Often they have claimed that some part of the rules of the Old Covenant which ancient Israel was under, supposedly are an "everlasting law of God's kingdom". But again, that is pitifully Earth- and man-centred thinking, and quite a bit odd even in other ways.
The Reign of God, or God's Reign or Kingdom, is not something that is "only in the hearts of men". Nor is it something that is only to be established here on Earth at some future time. God's Reign or Kingdom is a real, tangible Reign which is greater than we humans can even imagine, and which obviously rules this whole Universe as well as the heavenly sphere (and maybe more; we just do not know).
The Good Message Jesus proclaimed for humans here on Earth, was about the time when this planet will be freed from the wicked rebels who control it today. That Good Message was about how Jesus in the future will bring God's Reign into effect, on this planet also.
Peter and the other disciples were not promised "keys to Heaven's door" as some door-keepers. They were promised a position as co-rulers of God's Reign, together with Jesus and the Father at their Ruler's Seat. The essay eb08c.htm has more on the "keys of the Reign of Heaven" (Matthew 16:19) and also on the matter of "binding and loosing".
Many bible-translations make it seem that the rulers of this world would be "appointed by God" and "in his service", but they are not. The essay ew02c.htm has more on that subject.
Again: The Reign of God does indeed exist today. It is based in Heaven. Obviously, it has existed for times longer than humans can even understand. Nor can we know or understand its width and scope, but clearly, it is great. Unfortunately, this planet which is called "Earth", is at this moment not a part of that Reign. But, when Jesus formally returns as the Lord of lords and destroys the rebels who control this planet today, after that, even this world will become a part of God's Reign.
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Additional reading at the Bible Pages, on related as well as other issues:
A clarifying explanation of the short names for the bible-versions quoted or mentioned at this site, such as that NKJV stands for New King James Version, YLT for Young's Literal translation, HCSB for Holman Christian Standard Bible, NRSV for the New Revised Standard Version, and so on. → es09c.htm
Matthew 6:33, "But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you". What did Jesus mean? How were the disciples to go about "seeking the Kingdom"? Also, what did the expression "all these things" really refer to, and when and where were those things to be "added" to those disciples? → eo10d.htm
On Jesus' teaching regarding "the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven" or "the keys of the Reign of Heaven". Bible study notes on Matthew 16 verse 19, with context. What did the word "keys" depict or symbolise? What is the interpretation of that passage – what was it that Jesus was saying to his disciples? Also, a general overview and comments on the subject of "binding and loosing". → eb08c.htm
Many people wonder, why does God allow evil, sickness, pain, war and suffering? What is the biblical answer – does the Bible explain that matter, or in some way make it understandable? → ew01b.htm
The so-called "divine right of kings" – is there such a thing? Are kings, rulers and governments appointed by God? → ew02c.htm
Jesus warned his disciples about false prophets, teachers of falsehood, deceivers and deception. He said that many would be deceived. → eo09e.htm
What does the Bible say about Heaven? What does it look like? Were the saints to go there, and if so, for how long? What about others? → eb04c.htm
The Promises spoken to Abraham, and the saints' heavenly Rest and Inheritance. How the earthly Land of Israel symbolised and foreshadowed a Promised Land in Heaven. Also, how the words Promise, Inheritance, Rest and Land in certain bible passages point to the same thing. → eb05b.htm
A clarification of the actual nature of the sabbatismos or Rest of Hebrews 4:9. → ex11b.htm
The symbolism of the Sabbath. What the Old Covenant's weekly, ritual day of rest pictured and pointed to. → ex03c.htm
On how the Lord's prayer (the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 6), the Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5-7) and the Beatitudes (Matthew 5, verses 3-11) have a connection with the Old Covenant's Day of Atonement. → ec05c.htm
How should one pray? A study on prayer, prayers and praying. → eb11c.htm
What does the Bible say about the Pharisees? Also, why did Jesus call them vipers, snakes and actors? → eo12c.htm
Matthew 16:18, "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it". What was Jesus talking about? What is the immortal assembly or ekklêsia which he said he would form, and where is it located? Is it an earthly religious organisation in this world – a church – or is it a heavenly assembly that has as its members the saints who have become immortals? → ea01d.htm
The origin and meaning of the word "church". → eg06b.htm
Worshipping God. What does the Bible say about worship, when it comes to New Covenant times? Serving God is something important, for many believers. There is a custom to gather for worship services. Indeed, for many people, worship is the same as going to church or attending church. But, where does the word "worship" really come from, and what does it mean? And, what about praise and giving thanks and "offerings", and so on? In what way and when and where should believers be serving and worshipping God? → ea04c.htm
The meaning of the words Christ, Christian, Messiah and Messias. Also: Did the saints call themselves "Christians" – christianos or christianoi? → eg07b.htm
What does Galatians 4:26 mean? It talks about the heavenly Jerusalem and is a part of an allegory regarding the two covenants. Why have some preachers then claimed that it refers to some church? This essay finds the facts regarding the allegory of Galatians 4:21-31, and shows what the different things named in it pictured and symbolised. → ea02d.htm
What does the word "righteous" really mean? What does the Bible say about righteousness? → eg08b.htm
Church eras – do they exist? Are there seven "eras of the Church", as some have claimed – "Sardis era", "Philadelphian era", "Laodicean era" and so on? Is there any biblical basis for that dogma? The question in a nutshell: The seven assemblies mentioned in Revelation 2 and 3 – were they contemporary assemblies of saints in the days of John (as the book of Revelation describes them), or are they, as some have claimed, successive "eras of the Church of God" that exist in later times and continue to our day? → ea03d.htm
Check your bible knowledge. A basic self-test with 15 biblical questions (with answers and commentary). → es04b.htm
How to understand the Bible. Easy keys to interpreting and understanding Scripture in a better and deeper way, by avoiding certain fundamental but common mistakes and errors in bible study. These vital keys are really the basics for objective bible study. Knowing these keys will make many things easier to interpret and comprehend, and one will see several central matters in the Bible from a new and different perspective, especially in connection with the Gospels and the Epistles. → eg02c.htm
The Great White Throne Judgment, a time when both living and dead will be judged. When will it take place, where, and who will judge? Also, there is more to take into consideration, because the Bible talks about more than one still future times of judgment. → et07e.htm
Power among Jesus' disciples. What powers were given to the apostles, and to the saints in general? Also: Did the apostle Peter receive some special powers? → ea09b.htm
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If you find any of the essays or treatises at this site interesting and helpful, please provide a copy to other people as well. But before printing or distributing anything, make sure to get the very latest version, exactly as it is, directly from this web site. In regard to printable copies of these pages, for example as PDF-format papers, booklets or brochures or so – there are no specially printer friendly variants (except some bible puzzles), nor is there a need for that – simply, when you print an essay, set the margins and the text size to fit your needs and the paper you use, in the program you use for viewing these pages, and then send it to your printer. (This varies in different browsers and word processing programs. In web browsers, for setting the margin size and headers and footers, look for "Print Format" in the File menu; to set the text size for print-out, look under "Preview" or "View" in the same menu.)
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The essays at this site are not in "bible lesson" or "bible study course" format, nor are they meant as on-line "bible study classes" of some kind. Even though this site gives ready answers to biblical questions of many kinds, its main goal is providing food for thought on a variety of biblical subjects, and challenging and encouraging people to get started with deep personal bible study and then continue with that. (Many religious organisations and denominations have their bible lessons and correspondence courses; they are ready-made "studies" which are shrewdly constructed and written in such a manner that they lead the reader to conclusions that fit the dogmas of the group in question.) A careful, closer study of the books of the Bible with proper tools will help a believer to gain better and deeper biblical understanding. In that way, one will find out more about what the Bible really says, means and teaches. One can then, with wisdom, use that knowledge as a guide for one's life, instead of accepting as "biblical truths" whatever commercial religion – churches and their ministers (preachers) – have taught and want people to believe.
A more thorough, bible-based study with care and with thought will, not only help one to learn more, but also show one how many a popular belief has no scriptural basis or support but is altogether false and not biblical at all. This applies, not only to prophecy and "end time" related things, but also to many other subjects where prevailing dogmas are often taken "for granted". For this reason, it is extremely important for believers to personally study the Writings, and to thoroughly analyse them down to the smaller details, in order to find out the real facts. For doing that, it is not necessary to know the Hebrew, Greek or Latin languages (even though learning their letters and alphabet can be a good idea); there are modern, advanced tools which can help one to study in an effective way – see the pages es01d.htm and es02c.htm for more on this. The essay eg02c.htm supplies a number of easy, elementary keys to acquiring a better and deeper understanding of the Bible, simply by consciously and methodically avoiding certain usual errors and pitfalls.
This site is non-denominational and non-sectarian. It is not connected to any church, sect or religious organisation or movement. This site looks at things from a biblical perspective, and not from a dogmatic one. It does not claim to be without error or to "know it all" or to have a perfect or complete explanation to all things – it consists of an ongoing bible study that has been made public, and as the study goes on, the contents of these pages are revised and also expanded, with new topics and themes being addressed. Readers are invited and welcome to write to the author with thoughts and comments, or to ask questions or to point out a mistake if they feel that they have found one. For more on this, see the page purpose.htm.
The address to this page is www.biblepages.web.surftown.se/eo01b.htm
Please send or mention the address to this site to others, and link to these pages.
This page was created or modified 2010-01-07.