drink," that is, not a carnal kingdom, made up of outward
world" (John 8:23). This world is wholly evil, and under the dominion of the evil one. Its territory is under a curse. It is called "this present evil world" (Gal 1:4). It lieth in wickedness (1 John 5:19 ). Its kingdoms are compared to hideous beasts of prey (Dan 7). Satan and his hosts, the rulers of the darkness of this world (Eph 6:12 ). Thus everything pertaining to it is unholy. Now, the kingdom to come is not fashioned out of its materials, so as to retain any thing of its likeness. Between the kingdoms of this world and the kingdom of the world to come, there is no congeniality or resemblance. Of "this world" it is said, that it rejects the Spirit, nay, it cannot receive him (John 14:17 ); but that world is to be full of the Spirit, for "the Spirit is to be poured from on high, and the wilderness is to become a fruitful field" (Isa 32:15). Of this world Satan is king; of that world Christ is King. This world knows not God, neither the Father nor the Son; but in that world "all shall know him, from the least unto the greatest." In this world all is darkness; in that world all is light. This world is to be fought against and overcome; that world is to be loved and enjoyed. Thus the kingdom of which we are the heirs, is as unlike this world as Eden was unlike the wilderness. And it is this that makes it so desirable. Had it retained any fragments of this world's evil, had it been a mere re-construction of its carnal fabric; had it taken up into itself any of its corrupt qualities, then our comfort were but poor in anticipating its arrival, and counting on the exchange. But it is not of this world,—and this is our joy. We have had enough of this world to make us long for its passing away; and to welcome a kingdom in which no taint or trace of it shall be found.
4. It is a righteous kingdom. "The kingdom of God is not meat and drink," that is, not a carnal kingdom, made up of outward observances and sensual dainties, but "righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost;" that is, a righteous, peaceful, joyful kingdom, dwelt in and pervaded by the Holy Spirit, so that all belonging to it must be like itself (Rom 14:17). It is a kingdom whose territory is the "new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness" (2 Pet 3:13 ). The "unrighteous shall not inherit it" (1 Cor 6:9); but