The phrase, “kingdom of heaven” has four major meanings, depending on its context. (“Context” means the surrounding words and ideas.) First, the kingdom of heaven may refer to God’s unlimited, eternal rule over all His creation. He has total rule at all times and in all places (Psalm 103:19). It can also mean God’s spiritual kingdom which we enter through repentance and faith in Jesus (Mark 1:15). In many contexts the “kingdom of heaven” means Jesus the Messiah’s future earthly kingdom. (See Messiah) We need a new spiritual birth through the Holy Spirit to enter this kingdom (John 3:5; Colossians 1:13). The “kingdom of heaven” also can refer to God’s eternal kingdom in heaven and on earth.
The theme of Messiah’s kingdom begins with the idea that Jesus will rule that kingdom as a descendant of Israel’s king, David (Daud). God made a promise that David’s descendant would rule forever (2 Samuel 7:16). The prophet Daniel foretold that God would set up His kingdom on earth and destroy all earthly kingdoms (Daniel 2:44–45; Daniel 7:12–14). When Jesus came, He offered this kingdom to Israel. He said, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). In order for the kingdom to come on earth, Israel had to repent (Matthew 3:2; 4:17). Sadly, Israel did not turn away from their sin to believe in Jesus. They rejected Jesus’ message and rejected Him in Matthew 12. So, in Matthew 13, Jesus began teaching that His earthly kingdom would wait. Jesus’ parables of the kingdom in Matthew 13 tell about the time until God’s kingdom program begins again. Jesus also exposes Satan’s strategies to oppose this divine program. Belief in Jesus’ death and resurrection makes it possible for people who believe in Him to be part of His spiritual kingdom now, His physical kingdom when He returns to earth, and the eternal kingdom prepared for them ().Certain signs will come immediately before the second coming of Jesus to set up His earthly kingdom. Jesus warned believers to watch for them and be ready (Matthew 24).
At Jesus’ second coming (Revelation 19), Israel will repent (Zechariah 12:10; Matthew 21:43; 23:39; Romans 11:25-26; Revelation 1:7) and Jesus will set up His earthly kingdom (Revelation 19:17-20:7). Revelation 20:4 says Jesus’ kingdom on earth will last 1,000 years, so we call this the Millennium.
After the Millennium everything is made new (Revelation 21:1) and God’s kingdom will last forever (Revelation 22:5).
Matthew’s phrase, “kingdom of heaven,” comes from Daniel 2:44 which says, “the God of heaven will set up a kingdom.” Jesus also used the phrase “kingdom of God” for the same idea as “kingdom of heaven.” Mark, Luke, and John use that phrase.