The Gospel of the Kingdom: Scriptural Studies in the Kingdom of God by George Eldon Ladd clearly outlines Christ's Gospel message.  While not a definitive study, this small book gives basic information on the Gospel in a way that can be easily understood by the reader.



The study of the Kingdom of God (KOG) seems to be a complex study.  Ladd shows us that confusion comes from the several meanings of the word "Kingdom."  "Our problem, then is found in this threefold fact:  (1) Some passages of Scripture refer to the Kingdom of God as God's reign.  (2) Some passages refer to God's Kingdom as the realm into which we may now enter to experience the blessings of his reign.  (3) Still other passages refer to a future realm which will come only with the return of our Lord Jesus Christ into which we shall then enter and experience the fulness of His reign.  Thus the Kingdom of God means three different things in different verses.  One has to study all the references in the light of their context and then try to fit them together in an overall interpretation. " (p. 22)

In an amazing twist of logic, Ladd shows us that the phrases "Kingdom of God, Kingdom of Heaven, eternal life and salvation" are interchangeable.  Although we receive many benefits of salvation in this current age in which we now live, it is clear that "the Kingdom of God will never be fully realized apart from the personal, glorious, victorious Coming of Christ."  He outlines the various stages that come between now and the Second Coming of Christ.  In addition, the Gospel is actually the message about the Kingdom of God in both present and future.  While Christ is the central figure in the Gospel, the Gospel is not only about Christ.

Discussed in detail is why it is often called the Mystery of the Kingdom of God.  A mystery is something that is hidden and therefore difficult to understand.  Because of Jesus' original coming to earth, we now have knowledge of God's redemptive plan.  We receive "divine disclosures" that people in the Old Testament were not allowed to receive.  Ladd discusses the several parables in the Gospels which do shed light on the KOG.  That it is indeed a gift from God and not something that man can enter into on his own.

Ladd makes it clear that Eternal Life is for the whole man, the physical body as well as the soul.   It "means that we have already been brought into a personal relationship with God here and now.  Life eternal means that we have already been introduced to God.  Life eternal means that God has become our God and we have become His people, and that we have begun to share a fellowship with Him; we have begun to share His life." (p. 72)  The righteousness of God is another aspect of the topic.  God offers his forgiveness and righteousness to us.  He gives us blessings.  Ladd shows us clearly from scripture how we can receive this gift from God.

Of importance is the realization is that this current world has been turned over to Satan.  We can share in overthrowing him by taking back the authority Christ has given us.  We, therefore, has a task to share with others the good news of the Kingdom of God.   Matthew 24 tell us that we are to preach the gospel to all nations and then the end shall come.  This is both instruction to us of what we must do and a promise.

The Gospel of the Kingdom is a book like none other I've read before.  It gives encouragement about the future and our part in it.  Ladd covers so much ground that it is impossible to summarize.  This is a must read for anyone who seeks answers about God and our purpose in His plan.

On the back of the book:
During his distinguished career as a New Testament scholar and theologian, George Eldon Ladd made a special study of the Kingdom of God.  In The Gospel of the Kingdom Ladd gives a clear and practical explanation of the central message of Jesus' ministry for the general reader.  Avoiding technical discussions and long arguments about issues of interpretation, Ladd has instead sought to explain the Kingdom of God and the urgency of its meaning and message for our own time.  Ladd's study of Jesus' parables and the Sermon on the Mount is as devotional as it is instructive.  Few will read this volume without becoming deeply convicted.  In the words of Oswald J. Smith, Ladd's explanation of the concept of the Kingdom of God will "make the Bible a new book."

"This is a first-rate piece of work and deserves a very large circulation.  Dr. Ladd has set himself here to make the subject plain to the nonspecialist Christian reader.  In my judgment he has succeeded.  I feel sure that the interested reader...will fill grateful to Dr. Ladd for guiding him step-by-step to a clearer understanding of the biblical teaching about the Kingdom of God."  --F.F. Bruce.

George Eldon Ladd (1911-1982) was professor of New Testament exegesis and theology at Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California.  His numerous books include The Blessed Hope, The New Testament and Criticism, A Commentary on the Revelation of John, and the recently revised Theology of the New Testament.