The Two Kingdoms of Heaven
Many people speak of the Kingdom of Heaven as though it is a single destination for all believers. Yet the Scriptures reveal two distinct realms under the authority of the Most High: the Kingdom given to the saints to rule upon the earth, and the heavenly inheritance prepared for the righteous dead who are transformed into the angels of God.
The Kingdom Given to the Saints
The prophets spoke of a future kingdom that would be established on earth. This kingdom is not merely a spiritual condition, but a government ruled by the Messiah and His saints. The prophet Daniel declared:
"And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High..." (Daniel 7:27)
The saints are not inheriting heaven itself but are receiving authority over the earth. The Messiah shall reign from Zion, and the nations shall be taught righteousness.
Isaiah prophesied:
"And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD... and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths..." (Isaiah 2:3)
Israel was chosen to be a light unto the nations (Isaiah 49:6). Through the restoration of Israel under the Messiah, the nations will learn the laws, judgments, and wisdom of God. The saints shall reign with Christ, exercising righteous judgment and teaching the nations the ways of the Most High.
Revelation confirms this promise:
"And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth." (Revelation 5:10)
Thus, the first kingdom is the earthly kingdom of the Messiah, where the saints inherit dominion and Israel fulfills its calling as a light to the nations.
The Kingdom of the Righteous Dead
The Scriptures also reveal a heavenly inheritance for those who die in righteousness. Concerning the resurrection, Yahawashi taught:
"For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven." (Matthew 22:30)
The righteous dead are transformed into immortal beings. They are no longer subject to corruption, death, or the limitations of flesh. Their nature becomes like that of the angels, possessing everlasting life and glory.
The Apostle Paul wrote:
"It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body." (1 Corinthians 15:44)
And again:
"Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God." (1 Corinthians 15:50)
This heavenly inheritance is reserved for those who overcome in faith and righteousness. Having been raised incorruptible, they enter into the presence of God and partake of the glory prepared from the foundation of the world.
One Power, Two Administrations
These kingdoms are not opposed to one another. Rather, they are two administrations under the authority of the Most High and His Messiah.
The earthly kingdom fulfills the promises made to Israel, where the saints inherit dominion and righteousness is established among the nations.
The heavenly kingdom fulfills the promise of immortality, where the righteous dead are transformed into spiritual beings and dwell in the glory of God.
Together they reveal the fullness of God's plan: a restored earth governed in righteousness and a heavenly inheritance for those who overcome death through faith and obedience.
Thus the Scriptures speak both of a kingdom that shall be possessed by the saints upon the earth and of a heavenly estate entered by the righteous who are raised immortal, each serving a purpose in the everlasting dominion of the Most High.
