The Church and the Kingdom of God

For this benchmark, write an essay of 1,750-2,000 words in which you explain how key elements of Christ’s person and work lead to establishing and consummating the Kingdom of God. Relevant elements of Christ’s person and work will likely include the following:
The relevance of his nature as fully God and fully man
His life
His death
His resurrection
His ascension
The sending of the Spirit
His return
In the next section, explain how the Kingdom of God relates to the church in your own Christian tradition (Baptist, Pentecostal, non-denominational, etc.). Is the kingdom broader than the church? Is the kingdom identical with the church? Explain why, using biblical texts and scholarly sources. Here you must also state whether you believe a proper understanding of the kingdom and the church is a first-order, second-order, or third-order doctrinal issue, and explain why.
Then in the final section, explain how different Christian traditions view the theological characteristics of the church and the relationship between the church and the Kingdom of God.
In addition to the references found in your reading assignment in Sojourners and Strangers: The Doctrine of the Church, you should also reference the Bible, and at least three other scholarly sources.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the Turabian Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.
This benchmark assignment assesses the following competencies:
Master of Divinity
2.2: Demonstrate understanding of Christ’s work in establishing and consummating the Kingdom of God.
2.7: Develop an ability to distinguish appropriately between essential and nonessential doctrines.
Master of Arts College of Theology Programs
2.4: Articulate the differences between Christian traditions and the impact of the tradition on the interpretation of the doctrines.
2.5: Demonstrate an ability to reflect on theology.