Let thy Kingdom come
[281] The Forty-Eighth Lord's Day On the second petition of the Lord's Prayer Let thy Kingdom come In the second petition is handled the principal means whereby the name of God is hallowed or glorified among men; and that is, by seeking the Kingdom of God and its coming.
393 And by the Kingdom of God is properly understood that state of the Church in which she is made partaker of that happiness that she has in her communion with God. For a Kingdom in its general notion is a kind of polity or public government and state of men, in which one has the supreme and chief command, and all others are subject (more or less) for their own good. For unless it is for the good of the Subjects, or people, it is not a Kingdom, but a Tyranny. So the Kingdom of God is a Polity or State in which God has the Sovereignty or Supreme power and command; and men are subject in such a way that from this they may reap and receive their chief good that can be desired, or eternal and true happiness. By a Metonymy, also all such means are understood by the Kingdom of God, whereby such a state of the Church is procured. Of this Kingdom there are two most remarkable decrees; one in that administration which belongs to this present life, in respect to which it is called the Kingdom of grace. The other belongs to the life to come, in regard to which it is called the Kingdom [282] of glory. By the coming of this Kingdom then, is understood its state or condition, and the giving or bringing to pass all such things that belong to this state, together with the advancing and perfecting of them, for its accomplishment.
Doctrine 1. The chief means by which to hallow or glorify God's name, is the Kingdom of God, which consists in his Church.
This is gathered from the connexion of this petition with the one preceding.
Reason 1. Because the name of God, or the greatest perfections of God, are more manifested in this Kingdom than in any other of his works, but especially his grace, or mercy, justice, truth, and wisdom.
Reason 2. Because this Kingdom of God in its perfection comes nearest to God himself. For there is nothing outside of God himself that can be compared with his Church; indeed, in a way all other things are subject to the Church.
Reason 3. Because nothing is more contrary to the glory of God's name than the impairment of this Kingdom, or trenching
394 upon it, or than the troubling and deforming of it.
Use. Of Direction and Exhortation: that first of all we seek the Kingdom of God.
Doctrine 2. This Kingdom is not set up nor brought about by any other than God himself.
This is hence gathered, in that its coming is sought from God alone, as the author and principal cause and procurer of it.
Reason 1. Because the adversaries and enemies of this Kingdom are more and mightier than can be overcome by any creature.
Reason 2. Because the profits and advantages that [283] this Kingdom brings are greater than can be imparted to anyone by any creature.
Reason 3. Because the administration of this Kingdom is more spiritual than can be performed by any creature in chief.
Use 1. Of Refutation: against Pelagians who go about to rob God of a great part of this Kingdom, and ascribe it to nature; as well as against Papists and others, Who would have the external government of the Church at least depend upon human power and pleasure.
Use 2. Of Direction: that in seeking this Kingdom, we fly to God by faithful prayers.
Doctrine 3. This Kingdom has come to us but in part as yet.
This is hence gathered, in that the coming of this Kingdom is always to be sought by all during this life.
Reason 1. Because in this life something always clings to us which belongs to the Kingdom of darkness, and it must be put off and laid away.
Reason 2. Because something is always lacking in us that belongs to the Kingdom of light, and it must be put on.
Reason 3. Because we must always pant and breathe after the accomplishment of this Kingdom which is to be revealed and perfected in the last coming of Christ.
Use. Of Admonition: that we never so set up our rest here, as if we had arrived at the end and last perfection; but strive to a further perfection than any we have attained.
Doctrine 4. It belongs to our duty that we use all care and pains to advance this Kingdom of God by our desires, prayers, and all other lawful means and endeavours within the [284] compass of our power, place, and calling that God has set us in.
This is gathered, because we are here taught to do this by prayer; and what we are bound to pray for, we are bound to use all lawful and expedient means to bring it to pass. Otherwise we would but tempt and mock God by such prayers, by dividing the right means from the end, and disjoining things that God has conjoined.
Reason 1. Because the zeal of the House and Kingdom of God (for God's Kingdom and his Family or House, are all one) ought to take up and possess our minds as far as it makes for the glory of God.
Reason 2. Because from it our own salvation depends.
Reason 3. Because such endeavours, if they are sincere, are never in vain.
398 For though perhaps they profit little with men sometimes, yet they always advance the Kingdom of God in ourselves, and have the promise of the blessing.
Use. Of Reproof: of those who care nothing about what the estate of the Church is, how the Word is preached, the Sacraments administered, Discipline exercised, and the like. But it is to be feared that such Gallio's 400 have no part or portion in this Kingdom which they entertain 401 with such slight and neglect.
Doctrine 5. We ought to wish for the uttermost perfection of this Kingdom, which is to be after the Day of Judgment.
This is hence gathered, in that believers here on earth are taught to still pray for this Kingdom unto the Day of Judgment. For further illustration it no more needs to be said than what has been said on the former Doctrines.
[285] Doctrine 6. The Kingdom of the Devil, and of Darkness, and of Antichrist, and all other such things that are opposite to the Kingdom of God and enemies to it, we ought to detest with all our heart, and oppose with all our strength.
This is gathered from the distinctive principle, thy, in which is held out an opposition of this Kingdom to all other kingdoms and things, that are contrary to it.