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God's kingdom is referred to as 'the kingdom of heaven' mostly
in the Gospel of Matthew, but it is the same kingdom that
Luke refers to as 'the kingdom of God'. There is no duplication
or contradiction. Both Gospel writers refer to the kingdom
to be set up on earth at the return of Christ. This can be
seen by the way in which Matthew and Luke record the words
of Jesus regarding the 'kingdom'. There are many parallel
passages, for example:
"…he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater
than he [John the Baptist]." (Matthew 11:11).
"The one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater
than he [John the Baptist]." (Luke 7:28).
It is believed that Matthew, who wrote particularly for Jewish
readers, has substituted 'heaven' for 'God' out of respect
for Jewish reluctance to say the name of God.
(see JEHOVAH).
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King
Kingdom of God
Kingdom of Heaven
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