The Greatness of the Kingdom: An Inductive Study of the Kingdom of God

Dr. McClain's treatment of the concept of the Kingdom of God is Biblical theology at its best.

Want to read a classic that has survived over the years? Well, here is one that is both basic and 'meaty' for those who want more than the basics. McClain does a masterful job developing the "Kingdom of God" theme as presented in Scripture. He takes a dispensational and pre-millennial position supporting his views from Scripture themselves. I highly recommend this volume to anyone who is interested in what the future holds for the nation of Israel as well as the Church's relation to the Kingdom of God. Must read!!

McClain wrote this book back in 1959. He was hoping that it would be volume 5 of a seven volume systematic theology series, but it never materialized. McClain died before he could complete the project. This volume is all we have, but boy, is it a good one! McClain goes from Genesis to Revelation, discussing the kingdom of God as it appears on the pages of scripture. The first half of the book deals with the kingdom in the Old Testament. He asserts that there is a universal kingdom where God rules over everyone, and there is a mediatorial kingdom, experienced either in the form of the Old Testament Israelite Theocracy, or in the life of the individual believer. He points out that even though we are experiencing some of the benefits of kingdom life on earth if we are Christians, we still need to look forward to the day when God installs Christ as head of the future 1000 year messianic kingdom on earth so that God's rule may be experienced by one and all (at least those who survive the judgment at the second coming of Christ).The book was well written, and was very practical. My only quibble was that in a 531 page book, McClain devoted just 12 pages to the kingdom in Paul's writings. His reasoning for this is that Paul concentrated more on the church than on the kingdom. But Paul still had some important things to say about it (Romans 14:17-18; 2 Thessalonians 1, et al), and I would have liked to have seen McClain compare Paul's kingdom concept with that of Jesus and the Old Testament and the book of Revelation. With over a hundred pages devoted to the book of Revelation alone, and only 12 pages for all 13 Pauline epistles, I feel that the book didn't satisfy my desire for proportion.But having said that, what the book does contain is excellent, and I highly recommned it, if you can find it.

I am currently reading this book for the second time. McClain discusses in easy-to-understand language God's unraveling plan of kingdom rule on earth. This book is definite reading to gain an understanding of the Old Testament covenants and their relation to Jesus Christ as "Mediatorial" King. In addition, McClain sheds light on the unique post-Pentecost era as a time of a reoffer to Israel of her promised Old Testament kingdom blessings through repentance and faith in Christ. This rejected, the Gentiles become members of the "ekklesia" or church. The Pauline epistles become, then, the outlaying of God's gradual revelation of the "mystery" or Church Age... which is closed at the "rapture." Israel's promised blessings, then, await a period of tribulation after which Christ will forcefully reenter history and take world power in a "Second Advent." McClain closes the book with an appendix on "Spirituality in the Kingdom" wherein he identifies Platonic Dualism as the main reason many Christians reject a literal millenial kingdom in the future. McClain convincingly shows that such Greek concepts are not found in scripture. Interesting, fun reading that makes you think throughout the day what you have read.

This book gives a wonderful, comprehensive picture of the plan of God throughout Scripture. Rather than being a stuffy book on Theology, this book excites as Mclain takes the reader on a tour through the Bible showing God's action in and through history. It will excite you to see God's plan in bringing His Kingdom. It will make you long to be a part of God's coming Kingdom.