Ronald Nolette
Well-Known Member
Well there will be a total of two differing gospels of the kingdom preached prior to jesus' return.
The first began with John the Baptist and continued with Jesus and the Apostles until Israel through their leaders committed the unpardonable sin in Matthew 12:22-45. This was the announcement that the King had arrived and was ready to establish the much prophesied kingdom God has promised to Israel. It was a proclamation to Israel alone to repent and receive Jesus as Messiah. He still would have died, but upon HIs resurrection he would have established the millennial kingdom. But as prophesied and told by Jesus Israel would not accept Him.
After Matthew 12 you see that the gospel of the kingdom is no more preached, for Jesus withdrew the offer to that generation of Israel to give it to another in the future. He began to prepare the disciples for the church.
Then we see again the gospel of the kingdom in Matt. 24: 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
But this is not an invitiation to salvation. That is made clear by the word testimony. This is simply an announcement to all nations(peoples) that the Millenial Kingdom is to soon arrive! It is more of an indictment than proclamation of good news.
Witness is the word martyrion which means a testimony. It was commonly used of witnesses testifying in court to a crime.
