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The concept of Children of the Kingdom in Christianity

Children of the Kingdom, in Christianity, encompasses various groups linked to divine favor and salvation. It includes those adopted through faith in Jesus, who can pray to God and are promised a place in the resurrection. This term also refers to a parable's good seed, symbolizing believers embodying the new life of the Gospel, contrasting with the children of evil. Additionally, it highlights a warning against unbelief and indicates that both Jews and individuals aligned with divine grace are viewed as rightful heirs in God's kingdom.

In Malay: Anak-anak kerajaan; In Spanish: Hijos del Reino; In Finnish: Valtakunnan lapset; In Swedish: Rikets barn; In Dutch: Kinderen van het Koninkrijk; In German: Kinder des Königreichs; In Spanish: Niños del Reino; In French: Enfants du Royaume

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Children of the Kingdom'

Christianity Books

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) Those who, by faith in the Son, are adopted as God's children and can truly offer prayers unto Him.[1] (2) Those who accept the Gospel and embody the new life imparted by the good seed, distinguishing them from the children of evil.[2] (3) Refers to the Jewish people who believe they have a rightful inheritance in God's favor due to their descent.[3]

From: The Complete Sayings of Jesus

(1) The people who shall be cast out into outer darkness, where there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.[4] (2) The good seed in the parable of the tares, representing those who belong to the kingdom of God.[5]

From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository

(1) Those who shall sit down with the patriarchs at the resurrection of the just.[6] (2) A phrase referring to those who are seen as deserving of God's favor, with a warning that unbelief leads to exclusion.[7]

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) Those who will be cast out into outer darkness, representing a group that will not inherit the rewards of the kingdom.[8] (2) This is a reference to those who are expected to inherit the eternal reward, but will be excluded.[9] (3) This group will experience a negative outcome and will be sent to a place of darkness, and this place will be filled with weeping and gnashing of teeth.[10] (4) Refers to the offspring of God's kingdom, which consist of good things that are sown in the human soul.[11] (5) Those who are considered rightful heirs or deserving recipients of God’s good gifts and blessings.[12]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Protestantism (Christian movement emphasizing faith and scripture):
Protestantism Books

From: The Existence and Attributes of God

(1) A reference to the Jews who were originally chosen by God but were ultimately rejected due to unfaithfulness.[13]

Protestantism (or simply the protestant church) is a major branch of Christianity originating from the Reformation in the 16th century, led by figures like Martin Luther. It emphasizes salvation by faith alone and the Bible as the ultimate authority. Variants of Protestantism include Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, Methodism and Presbyterianism, each with unique practices but generally united by these core principles.

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) Individuals who are aligned with Divine wisdom and grace, leading them towards eternal salvation.[14]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.