The Gospel of the Kingdom: Scriptural Studies in the Kingdom of God

I’m completely thrilled by the truths expounded upon in this book. It gave me great understanding why Jesus came and why we are to have an eternal perspective as believers and it is revealed in this book clearly and concisely. He brings clarity to the often misunderstood topic of the Kingdom of God and eternal life. This book has life altering implications if taken to heart!

Though short for its subject matter, George Eldon Ladd's book goes a long way toward helping Christians focus on what really matters. Very readable and filled with Scripture, Ladd reminds us that Christ came preaching "the gospel of the Kingdom." The apostles continued to do the same. Why is it we almost never hear preaching on the Kingdom these days? Rather, we just try to get people "saved" with little mention of the Kingdom that, while future in its fullness, is "tasted" in the present age. The final chapter uses as its primary text Matthew 24:14, "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, as a testimony to all nations; and then the end will come." As Ladd so ably demonstrates as he exegetes this passage, here we find our message, our mission, and our motive. Now, that will preach!

Ladd's book is essential to understanding the Kingdom of God. I love this little book! For an older book... the read is superb! I recommend this book to all those who want to understand the power of the Kingdom that is already, but not yet! The book will disuss the kingdoms of the world vs. the Kingdom of God. Many Christians today have failed not only to seperate the two kingdoms, but failed to simply recognize them at all. Jesus spoke more on the Kingdom of God than any other subject in the Gospels. You will need Ladd's book if you wish to study in order that you might live for this Kingdom. Ladd's book has been influential in my theology and living. I will read it many times throughout my life, no doubt. I also want to suggest you read The Upside-Down Kingdom

The phrase "Kingdom of God" or "Kingdom of Heaven" is in the gospels some 84 times; compared to the word "cross", which only appears 17 times, and "gospel" or "good news", which only appears 23 times. The Kingdom of God was the central message of Jesus. This book brings the message to life through it's examination of the topic, and--even though it's a theology book--presents the material in a very clear, readable way. I can honestly say that this book has brought a fresh understanding of God's will and purposes to my Christian walk. Of all the Christian books I've read, this one definitely makes my top 10 list.

The Gospel of the Kingdom is a terrific book which every Christian should read. A curious fact is that it was written in 1959, well ahead of its time. We are subjected to various views of the Kingdom of God and how it relates to the Church, Israel and the end times. There is much confusion as to what the Kingdom is, and when and where will it be. Ladd answers these critical questions. The chapters deal with 1. What is the Kingdom of God. 2. The Kingdom is tomorrow 3. The Kingdom is today. In addition he gives a good exposition of how to understand the parables of Kingdom and an excellent section on how to understand the Sermon on the Mount. He takes the difficult passages of Jesus' sermon and answers the questions what does Jesus mean that one should "cut off your hand" or "gouge out your eye" if necessary to enter the Kingdom.It is a practical book as well which calls Christians to commit all to the advancement of the Kingdom of God and the role that God wants all of us to play in its institution. It is easy to read and extremely informative. I could not reccommend it more highly.

Ladd's work on the Kingdom is so important because it sets out a Biblical framework for understanding a reality that was at the heart of Jesus life and teaching: the Kingdom of God. He does here with great brevity what he does more thoroughly in his Theol. of the NT. This little book will get your heart pumping with excitment about the glorious Kingdom which has come and yet is still to come! But beware! This book has HUGE practical implications...the ideas should inspire love for and active obedience to Jesus, not simply more esoteric knowledge.