This book is a classic on the kingdom of God, a topic which many may think is basically straightforward but which in reality has given rise to a lot of confusion and error.

Exposing truth

Ladd takes us slowly and carefully through this huge theme and explains the fundamentals with great clarity, in a way that will enable the general reader to go back to the Scriptures with confidence and enthusiasm.

Ladd does not hold back in declaring how certain incorrect understandings of the kingdom of God has historically led Christians astray, both as individuals and as the Church in general. Usually, such error occurs by taking one aspect of the kingdom and making it the only way of interpreting the issue as a whole.

Another way in which the truth has been obscured is by not considering Scripture in its entirety, including the Old Testament, which is a necessary preliminary to Jesus’ opening statement that ‘the kingdom of God is near’.

What is the kingdom?

In his first chapter, Ladd asks the basic question ‘What is the kingdom of God?’ He provides the simplest and most accurate definition that it is God’s rule as King over creation. This is the clearest meaning of both the Greek ‘basileia’ and the Hebrew ‘malkuth’. This is better than our modern understanding of a kingdom as a realm, and refutes the false idea that the kingdom is something which men can build.

This is better than our modern understanding of a kingdom as a realm, and refutes the false idea that the kingdom is something which men can build.

Equally strongly rejected is the view that the kingdom is equivalent to the Church. The relationship between the kingdom of God and the Church is explored later in the book but to equate them is a major error.

‘Now’ and ‘not yet’

Ladd correctly advocates the ‘now’ and ‘not yet’ approach to the kingdom, asserting that it is the only way to attain a full and proper understanding. His explanation of the ‘mystery’ of the kingdom, as taught in the parables of Jesus, provides a most satisfactory account of their place within the gospels.

In fact, Ladd’s whole perspective makes great sense as we move from the Old Testament, through the life of Jesus and towards the final consummation of the kingdom. Also of great value is the way the author links the kingdom with the other great biblical doctrines of eternal life, salvation and resurrection.

Ladd’s whole perspective makes great sense as we move from the Old Testament, through the life of Jesus and towards the final consummation of the kingdom.

Overall, there is so much to admire from the way Ladd guides us step by step into a clearer understanding of the biblical teaching about the kingdom of God.

Thankfully, second hand copies of this classic remain available at a reasonable price, so there is every opportunity to take advantage of this highly instructive and theologically significant book.

The Gospel of the Kingdom is published by Eerdmans and copies are available from Amazon or ABE Books.