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by Dan Westerfield (Author)
The Paradigm of the Kingdom of God
This book traces redemptive history, from the Garden of Eden to the New Heaven and Earth, through the paradigm of the kingdom of God. Jesus Christ's saving work is the supreme event in all history, but it takes place within the context of the kingdom. When we follow God's plan of salvation through the kingdom's progress, the events unfold like an immense novel because we see God's divine providence revealed through both biblical and secular accounts.
God initiates the kingdom paradigm when he tells Adam and Eve to be "fruitful and multiply . . . and rule" (Gen. 1:28). This is a mandate to establish God's righteous kingdom on the earth, and it is repeated to Noah and then Israel. But the story of the Old Testament is that Adam and Eve, Noah and his family, and Israel, all sin and rebel and cannot establish God's kingdom.
The New Testament tells us about Jesus Christ, the Son of God, coming to earth to become one of us. He begins His ministry by proclaiming, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel" (Mark 1:15). Jesus begins to fulfill the kingdom mandate. He is fruitful and multiplies through spiritual children. And Jesus begins to rule: He teaches, casts out demons, calms storms, heals the sick, raises the dead, and feeds the hungry. He establishes a kingdom of His faithful followers. But Jesus must also die for their sins, and rise again, so that they can be declared righteous, fit for God's kingdom. After Jesus ascends to heaven and establishes the Church, the kingdom advances through the Church's ministry.
Understanding redemptive history through the kingdom paradigm differs from the long standing interpretations of Dispensationalism and Covenantalism. These views are considered in this book, but the focus is on how the kingdom is central to God's design for history. Following its progress helps us see our location and roles in the fulfillment of God's divine plan. This can inform our faith and increase Church unity as we glorify God through His amazing plan of redemption.
