The following "Question" was asked by a member of the congregation at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, and "Answered" by their pastor, John MacArthur Jr. It was transcribed by Anjela Paje of Spokane, WA, from the tape, GC 1301-I, titled "Bible Questions and Answers Part 11."  A copy of the tape can be obtained by writing, Word of Grace, P.O. Box 4000, Panorama City, CA 91412 or by dialing toll free 1-800-55-GRACE.  ©1980. All Rights Reserved.

Question

In reference to Matthew 19:23-24, Jesus has just talked to the young man, and he’s gone away grieved, and Jesus says to His disciples, "Truly, I say to you it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And, again, I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Now, it would seem to me, just on the surface and looking at those two verses, that Jesus is equating the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God. In other words, they’re interchangeable terms. Taking those two verses, I do not see a distinction whatsoever between the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God. I know there is an alternate view, of course, that would say that there is, I don’t see it there. I wonder, is there another clear passage that will support that position as clearly as this one with the other?

Answer

I would take the view that there is no distinction. You are right. I don’t see the distinction between the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God, and that is precisely the argument. How can you see a distinction between two things that are used to speak of the same thing in the same passage?

Added to Bible Bulletin Board's "MacArthur’s Questions and Answers" by:

Tony Capoccia
Bible Bulletin Board
Box 119
Columbus, New Jersey, USA, 08022
Our websites: www.biblebb.com and www.gospelgems.com
Email: tony@biblebb.com
Online since 1986