BOOK REVIEW

By Caleb Corneloup

Witherington, B. 2009. Imminent Domain: The Story of the Kingdom of God and Its Celebration. Kindle Edition. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

In this essay I will review the book Imminent Domain: The Story of the Kingdom of God and Its Celebration written by Ben Witherington the 3^rd, chapters 1-6. I will not be discussing the introduction or the appendix. The book is easy to read and each chapter follows the other in logical sequence. The focus of the first three chapters of the book is God’s present reign over the hearts of His people and its implications in terms of the visibility of God’s kingdom on earth in the present age. The last three chapters focus on the eschatological return of Christ and the theological implications which should effect the practice of believers and the church as a whole.    

[Chapter 1 location 108-230] In the first chapter Ben establishes that although the kingdom of God has not yet fully come eschatologically, it is already present through God’s rule over the hearts of His people. He points out that in Luke 17:20-21 Jesus taught the Jews that God’s kingdom was not coming with visible signs in the sky at some future point, as they expected, but rather that it was already in their midst through His reign over the hearts of believers. Ben refers to Matthew 5:27-28 as well as Mark 7:18-22 and points out that the human heart is the source of mankind’s sin and so God must deal with the source of sin rather than the symptoms in order to effect real change in creation. When God rules human hearts this creates real change in their lives and even effects the social fabric of society.

[Chapter 2 location 234-344] In chapter 2 Ben continues by building on this concept and argues that God’s domain is visible through the lives of His people, their pious living and in their good deeds. He uses Romans 14:17-18 as well as the fruits of the Spirit mention in Galatians 5:22-23 to argue that God’s kingdom is seen in the righteousness, joy and peace of God’s people. Furthermore according to 1 John 3:24 the obedience of believers and their love for one another proves that they abide in God and God in them. Finally Ben elicits the Psalms to prove that God dwells in the midst of the praises of His people

[Chapter 3 location 349-510] In chapter 3 the focus of the book becomes more personal and Ben argues that those who live as though Jesus was not their Lord give evidence that they are not a part of God’s Kingdom. He contrasts the fruit of the Spirit with the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-23 and draws upon 1 Corinthians 13 as well as Matthew 5-7 to prove that without the fruit of the Spirit no individual can claim they belong to the kingdom of God.  

[Chapter 4 location 515-653] The focus of the fourth chapter of Ben’s book deals with the common misconception that heaven is the final destination for believers. He points out that when Jesus returns the dead in Christ will be resurrected, all God’s people will have their corruptible bodies transformed into incorruptible bodies, heaven will merge with earth and God will dwell with His creation forever.

To support these points Ben draws upon the apostles creed, which mentions the resurrection of believers from the dead, to prove that Christians have always believed they will live on earth in resurrected bodies. Ben also utilises 1 Corinthians 15:23-28, which says that the dead in Christ shall be resurrected and those that are alive shall be changed with them in a twinkling of an eye. The same text says that believers will have an incorruptible body and will inherit the earth. Ben also argues that according to Revelation 6:9-10 the saints of God are asking “how long” until the inhabitants on earth are judged and the intermediate period in heaven will come to an end.

[Chapter 5 location 658-792] In the fifth chapter Ben discusses the fate of all those who are not God’s people. He begins with the fate of the Jews who rejected Jesus and seeks to defend the charge of anti-Semitism by pointing out that the Old Testament prophets were just as harsh on their own people as the New Testament writers. Furthermore Paul frequently sought to evangelise the Jews and even wished his own damnation if it could result in their salvation. Paul also writes to the church in Rome arguing that God was not finished with natural Israel.

Ben then argues that Paul’s example of sincere desire towards Israel’s salvation should teach us to have a similar desire towards people in other faiths. However we should never deny or apologise for the Christian teaching that salvation is not found in anyone else except Jesus Christ. Ben ends this chapter by referring to Revelation 21:8 which teaches that unbelievers and the like will be sent to the lake of fire.

[Chapter 6 location 796-924] In chapter 6 Ben discusses the implications that a kingdom focused church has for the environment. He draws upon the imagery and teaching of Isaiah 65:17-25, Isaiah 2:4 and Romans 8:19-24 to show that God cares for the earth as well as the creatures which inhabit the earth. He argues that if Jesus intends to end suffering for animals and restore Eden like conditions on earth at His coming and the consummation of His kingdom then the church should have the same care and desire for creation. Ben also argues that the river of life mentioned in Revelation 22:1-5 flows throughout the earth healing the nations and ending the curse. This is God’s desire and it should also be ours.  

The book is informative from a theological perspective and well worth reading for both theological insight as well as practical instruction. The use of scripture to reveal the current presence of the kingdom of God and the future role of Israel provides good insight into two important topics. The practical implications of the kingdom of God raised in the book were unexpected and refreshing. The admonition to examine whether Christ really reigns in our hearts is healthy. The instructive aspect of chapter 5 relating to the attitude of believers towards Israel and persons of other faiths as well as to creation itself was also helpful.  I would recommend the book for any student of theology or laymen seeking to read a well written and informative book.