Q1. How many fold is God's kingdom in this world?

A. TWOFOLD; namely, his general, essential, or providential kingdom; and his special kingdom.

Q2. What is his general kingdom?

A. It is the absolute power and sovereignty which he exercises over all things in heaven, earth, and hell, for the purposes of his own glory, Psalm 103:19 - "His kingdom ruleth over all."

Q3. What is his special kingdom?

A. It is the government and care which he exercises in and over his church and people, as a society distinct from the rest of the world, Psalm 59:13 - "God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth."

Q4. Into whose hands is the management of God's special kingdom committed?

A. Into the hands of Christ as Mediator, Psalm 2:6.

Q5. How is this kingdom, as committed into his hands, usually called?

A. His mediatory, or donative kingdom.

Q6. Why called his mediatory kingdom?

A. Because he holds it as Mediator, Luke 22:29.

Q7. Why called his donative kingdom?

A. Because it is given him of the Father as a reward of his meritorious obedience and sufferings, Matt. 28:18; and to distinguish it from his essential kingdom.

Q8. May his essential kingdom be said to be given him?

A. By no means; because it is natural to him, as God equal with the Father, and can no more be given him than his divine nature and personality can.

Q9. For what are we directed to pray in this petition, with reference to God's kingdom in general?

A. That it may COME: Thy kingdom come.

Q10. In what sense may we pray for the coming of his essential kingdom?

A. Only in this sense, that he would more and more demonstrate his supreme power and sovereignty over all things, and that the same may be more and more acknowledged by the children of men, Psalm 83:18.

Q11. Would it be warrantable for us to pray, that he would govern the world, or actually exercise his supreme power?

A. It would be no more warrantable to pray for this, than to pray that he would be an infinite Sovereign, which he cannot but be; and act agreeably to his nature, which he cannot but do.

Q12. Whether is it the coming of God's general or special kingdom that is chiefly intended in the answer?

A. It is the coming of his special kingdom of grace here, and of glory hereafter.

Q13. Are the kingdoms of grace and glory different kingdoms?

A. They are not so much different kingdoms, as different STATES in the same kingdom: according to the common maxim, Grace is glory begun, and glory is grace consummated, or in perfection.

Q14. How may the kingdom of grace in this world be viewed?

A. Either as to outward dispensation, or inward operation.

Q15. What is it as to outward dispensation?

A. It is just the preaching of the gospel, Mark 1:14 - "Jesus came, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God."

Q16. What is it as to inward operation?

A. It is the work of saving grace in the soul, Luke 17:21 - "Behold, the kingdom of God is within you."

Q17. Why called the kingdom of grace?

A. Because the gathering of sinners into this kingdom, for their salvation, is of grace, both as to the means and end, Eph. 2:8.

Q18. What do we pray for with reference to the kingdom of grace, when we say, Thy kingdom come?

A. We do not pray that it may be erected as a new thing in the world, but that it may be advanced in it.

Q19. Why should we not pray, that Christ's kingdom of grace may be erected or set up as a new thing in the world?

A. Because this would be, in effect, to deny that Christ had ever a church upon this earth; whereas, it is most certain, that ever since the first promise, he has always had a church in it, and will have it to the end of time, Isaiah 59:21.

Q20. But is it not our duty to pray, that the kingdom of grace may be set up in those parts of the world where it is not at present?

A. To be sure it is; for we should pray," That the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified," 2 Thess. 3:1; and that the earth may "be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea," Isaiah 11:9; which is the same with praying, "That the kingdom of grace may be advanced."

Q21. For what should we pray as pre-requisite to the advancing of the kingdom of grace?

A. In order to this, we should pray, That Satan's kingdom may be destroyed.

Q22. What is the meaning of the name SATAN?

A. It is a Hebrew word, signifying an adversary; as, indeed, the devil is an implacable adversary, burning with hatred and enmity both against God, and therefore called "his enemy," Matt, 13:25, and against man, 1 Pet. 5:8 - "Your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."

Q23. What do you understand by Satan's kingdom?

A. That power and dominion which he usurps over mankind-sinners, who are by nature lawful captives, Isaiah 49:24, 25.

Q24. If sinners of mankind are by nature lawful captives, how can Satan's dominion over them be said to be usurped?

A. Though they be justly delivered into his hands, as a jailer, yet he has no right to rule over them as a prince.

Q25. Do they not voluntarily subject themselves to his dominion?

A. Yes; and this is both their sin and their judgment John 8:44.

Q26. What is the principal seat of Satan's kingdom?

A. The HEART of every man and woman by nature, Eph. 2:2.

Q27. What is the foundation and bulwark of this kingdom?

A. SIN, both original and actual, Eph. 2:3.

Q28. For what should we pray, with reference to this kingdom of Satan?

A. That it may be destroyed.

Q29. Why should, we pray for the destruction of this kingdom?

A. Because the work, of grace cannot take place, nor succeed in the soul, except upon the ruins of Satan's interest in it, Luke 11:21, 22.

Q30. How then is Satan's kingdom destroyed in the world?

A. By the advancement of the kingdom of grace in it.

Q31. When may the kingdom of grace be said to be advanced?

A. When ourselves and others are brought into it, and kept in it.

Q32. How are we and others brought into this kingdom?

A. By the gracious influences of the Spirit of God, accompanying the dispensation of the gospel with irresistible power, Psalm 110:2, 3.

Q33. How are we and others kept in it?

A. By continued emanations of grace out of the fulness of Christ, by which the principle of grace is quickened, strengthened, and preserved, Hos. 14:5.

Q34. For what should we pray, as the means of bringing into this kingdom?

A. We should pray, "that the gospel may be propagated throughout the world, the Jews called, the fulness of the Gentiles brought in; that the ordinances of Christ may be purely dispensed, and made effectual to the converting of those that are yet in their sins."189

Q35. For what should we pray as means of being kept in it?

A. That the same ordinances may be effectual to the "confirming, comforting, and building up of those that are already converted."190

Q36. Can any subject of this kingdom ever apostatise from it?

A. No; they are "kept by the power of God, through faith unto salvation," 1 Pet. 1:5.

Q37. Why then should we pray to be kept in it?

A. Because perseverance, being a promised privilege, should, on that account, be prayed for, Psalm 119:28 - "Strengthen thou me, according to thy word."

Q38. What security have the saints that they shall be kept in this kingdom?

A. They have the stability of the promise, Jer. 32:40; the efficacy of Christ's obedience to the death in their stead, Eph. 5:25, 27; the prevalency of his intercession, John 17:24; and the inhabitation of his Spirit, Rom. 8:11, for their security in this matter.

Q39. What is the kingdom of glory?

A. It is that state of inconceivable happiness and bliss into which the saints shall be brought after death, John 14:2, 3.

Q40. In what will the glory of this kingdom consist?

A. In a perfect conformity to, and the immediate and uninterrupted vision and fruition of God through all eternity, 1 John 3:2.

Q41. When will the kingdom of glory come in the full manifestation of it?

A. At the second coming of Christ to judgment, Matt. 25:31, 34.

Q42. For what are we to pray, with reference to this kingdom?

A. That it may be hastened.

Q43. When we pray that it may be hastened, do we mean, that the set time for the second coming of Christ may be anticipated, or come sooner than the moment fixed for it in infinite wisdom?

A. No; we wish it no sooner; but only express our ardent "desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better" than to be here always, Phil. 1:23.

Q44. Why do the saints so earnestly desire to be with Christ in glory?

A. That an eternal period may be put to all their sinning, and to every thing that has a tendency to detract from the glory of his kingdom, and the happiness of his subjects: wherefore, as he saith, "Surely, I come quickly;" so they pray, "Amen, even so, come, Lord Jesus," Rev. 22:20.

Q1. What is the first thing signified by the kingdom of God here?

A. The gospel is here intended by the kingdom of God, Matthew 13:47.-Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like unto a net that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind.

Q2. What is the thing signified by the coming of this kingdom of God?

A. It signifies the removal of all impediments, that hinder its propagation in the world; 2 Thessalonians 3:1. Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you.

Q3. Who, and what hinders the propagation of it?

A. Antichrist, that man of sin, hinders it externally; 2 Thessalonians 2:4. Who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. The devil and men's lusts internally; 1 Thessalonians 2:18. Wherefore we would have come unto you (even I Paul) once and again; but Satan hindered us. Luke 19:14. But his citizens hated him, and sent a messenger after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.

Q4. What then is the desire of all good men, with respect to the coming of the gospel-kingdom?

A. That all nations may be brought to Christ by the preaching of it, and so Christ's kingdom be greatly exalted and enlarged; Isaiah 2:2. And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow into it.

Q5. What is the second thing here meant by the kingdom of God?

A. It signifies and intends the work of saving grace wrought in men's souls; Luke 17:21.-Behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

Q6. Why is this work of grace called the kingdom of God?

A. Because wherever saving-grace comes, it subdues the soul to Christ's scepter; 2 Corinthians 10:5. Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and brings into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ?

Q7. Wherein consists the kingdom of grace?

A. It consists not in external rites and observances, but in righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit; Romans 14:17. For the kingdom of God is not food and drink, but righteousness and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Q8. What do we ask of God in this petition, with respect to this kingdom of grace?

A. Herein we desire not only our own personal progressive sanctification, but the sanctification of others all the world over; Acts 26:29. And Paul said, I would to God that not only you, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

Q9. What is the third thing here meant by the kingdom of God?

A. By it is here meant the future state of glory and blessedness; 1 Corinthians 15:50. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, etc.

Q10. Why is the heavenly state called the kingdom of God?

A. This is called the kingdom of God, because in that state God reigns over his people gloriously, there being no rebellion in them in the least degree; Luke 20:36.-For they are equal unto the angels, and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection. And they reign with Christ; Revelation 3:21. To him that overcomes, will I grant to sit with me in my throne, etc.

Q11. What do we desire in prayer for the coming of this kingdom?

A. We desire not only our preservation in our passage to that state of glory; 1 Peter 5:10. But the God of all grace, who has called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you. But the hastening of it to ourselves and others; Revelation 22:20.-Amen, even so come Lord Jesus.

Q12. What is the first instruction hence?

A. That the gospel is an invaluable mercy, as it is the instrument of bringing us into Christ's gracious and glorious kingdom; Acts 26:18. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Q13. What is the second inference from hence?

A. That men may really hate and oppose the very thing they pray for.

Q14. What is the last instruction hence?

A. That however firmly Satan's and Antichrist's kingdom seem to be founded in the world, they must and shall fall before the daily prayers of the saints. Concerning the Doing of God's Will

Q1. Must we acknowledge our heavenly Father's kingdom?

A. Yes: The Lord is king for ever and ever, Ps. 10:16.

Q2. And must we admire it?

A. Yes: We must speak of the glory of his kingdom, Ps. 145:11.

Q3. Must we own him to be our King?

A. Yes: Thou art my king, O God, Ps. 44:4.

Q4. Must we heartily wish well to his kingdom?

A. Yes: Seek ye first the kingdom of God, Matt. 6:33.

Q5. Has Satan a kingdom in opposition to God's kingdom?

A. Yes: For he is the prince of this world, John 12:31.

Q6. Does he rule where sin rules?

A. Yes: For he works in the children of disobedience, Eph. 2:2.

Q7. Must we pray that that kingdom may be destroyed?

A. Yes: The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan, even the Lord that has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke thee, Zech. 3:2.

Q8. Must we pray that the dominion of sin may be broken?

A. Yes: O let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, Ps. 7:9.

Q9. And that the power of the church's enemies may be crushed?

A. Yes: So let all thine enemies perish, O Lord, Judg. 5:31.

Q10. And their policies blasted?

A. Yes: Lord turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness, 2 Sam. 15:31.

Q11. And their projects defeated?

A. Yes: O my God, make them like a wheel, Ps. 83:13.

Q12. Have we reason to hope that Satan's kingdom shall be destroyed in the hearts of believers?

A. Yes: For the God of peace shall tread Satan under your feet shortly, Rom. 16:20.

Q13. And that it shall be destroyed in the world?

A. Yes: For I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven, Luke 10:18.

Q14. So destroyed that it shall not destroy the church?

A. Yes: For the church is built upon a rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it, Matt. 16:18.

Q15. Is the kingdom of Christ our Father's kingdom?

A. Yes: I have set my King upon my holy hill of Zion, Ps. 2:6.

Q16. Must we pray that that may be advanced?

A. Yes: Prayer shall be made for him continually, Ps. 72:15.

Q17. That we and others may be brought into it?

A. Yes: That Christ may dwell in your heart by faith, Eph. 3:17.

Q18. And kept in it?

A. Yes: That we may be preserved blameless to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Thess. 5:23.

Q19. Are we to pray for converting grace?

A. Yes: Turn thou me, and I shall be turned, Jer. 31:18.

Q20. And that others may partake of that grace?

A. Yes: That sinners may be converted unto thee, Ps. 51:13.

Q21. Are we to pray for confirming grace?

A. Yes: That God would comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work, 2 Thess. 2:17.

Q22. Are we to pray for the strengthening of faith?

A. Yes: Lord, increase our faith, Luke 17:5.

Q23. And the increase of love?

A. Yes: This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more, Phil. 1:9.

Q24. Are we to pray for the advancement of the kingdom of light?

A. Yes: O send out thy light and thy truth, Ps. 43:3.

Q25. And the kingdom of holiness?

A. Yes: The God of peace sanctify you wholly, 1 Thess. 5:23.

Q26. And the kingdom of love?

A. Yes: That they all may be one, John 17:21.

Q27. Must we pray for the sending forth of ministers in order hereunto?

A. Yes: Pray the Lord of the harvest that he would send forth labourers into his harvest, Matt. 9:38.

Q28. And for the presence of God with them?

A. Yes: That utterance may be given to them, Eph. 6:19.

Q29. Are we to pray for the prosperity of the church?

A. Yes: Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, Ps. 122:6.

Q30. And for the welfare of all who belong to it?

A. Yes: Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee, Ps. 70:4.

Q31. And for the comfort of all good Christians?

A. Yes: Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, Eph. 6:24.

Q32. Must we pray for the enlargement of the church?

A. Yes: My heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved, Rom. 10:1.

Q33. And for the reformation of it?

A. Yes: Turn us again, O Lord God of hosts, Ps. 80:19.

Q34. And for the defence of it?

A. Yes: Build thou the walls of Jerusalem, Ps. 51:18.

Q35. And for the deliverance of it?

A. Yes: Command deliverances for Jacob, Ps. 44:4.

Q36. May we pray in faith for the advancement and continuance of Christ's kingdom?

A. Yes: For of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, Isa. 9:7.

Q37. And have we reason to triumph in this?

A. Yes: Hallelujah, for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth, Rev. 19:6.

Q38. Is the kingdom of glory yet to come?

A. Yes: When the mystery of God shall be finished, Rev. 10:7.

Q39. Are we to pray that that may be hastened?

A. Yes: Looking for, and hastening unto, the coming of the day of God, 2 Pet. 3:12.

Q40. Are we to desire our own removal to that glory at death?

A. Yes: Desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven, 2 Cor. 5:2.

Q41. Are we to pray that we may be ready for it?

A. Yes: Watch therefore, and pray always, Luke 21:36.

Q42. And then that it may be hastened?

A. Yes: Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, Luke 2:29.

Q43. Are we to pray for Christ's second coming at the end of time?

A. Yes: Amen, even so come, Lord Jesus, Rev. 22:20.