In this message, Dr. Cooper shifts from the question of eternal life to its cost. Using the lawyer’s test in Luke 10:25 –37, he shows that “to inherit eternal life” was ancient covenant reward language—it referred to sharing in the blessings and rule of God’s coming Kingdom.

Key Themes & Insights

A Question of Reward, Not Salvation

The lawyer’s challenge wasn’t ignorance; it was a theological test. He already knew justification came by faith (as Abraham did). His question concerned reward—how to ensure participation in the Kingdom.

Jesus’ Answer: Love & Obedience

Jesus quotes the law: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart… and your neighbor as yourself.” This isn’t a path to salvation but the measure of faithfulness that determines Kingdom participation.

The Good Samaritan as Kingdom Example

True righteousness expresses itself through compassion and mercy. Helping the hurting demonstrates covenant faithfulness—living as one fit to rule under God’s government.

The Rich and the Costly Entrance

Jesus’ warning about the camel and the needle’s eye reveals that wealth easily divides loyalty. To enter the Kingdom, one must abandon self-reliance and depend entirely on God.

The Kingdom of God Defined

It is not a place (that’s the Kingdom of Heaven).

It is a rule—God’s reign on earth through His Son.

It is power, not talk (1 Cor 4:20 ).

It is the perfection of divine government and justice.

The Mystery Revealed

Paul called this the mystery of God—the power of God displayed through man. The greatness of the coming rule is “unimaginable” to human minds, yet revealed by the Spirit (1 Cor 2:9–10).

Rewards, Not Participation Trophies

The future reign of believers will not be automatic. Each Christian’s rank and role in the Kingdom depends entirely on faithfulness now. These are not symbolic prizes—they are eternal responsibilities.

Modern Analogy: Christ’s Campaign Slogan

Just as earthly rulers promise “change” or “greatness,” Christ’s Kingdom comes with its own unshakable platform—perfect justice, perfect peace, and perfect rule. The question is whether our lives today align with that campaign.

Timestamps & Key Topics

00:00 – To inherit eternal life: asking about entering God’s Kingdom

00:13 – Why is entering the Kingdom of God so expensive?

00:22 – Introduction: What is the Kingdom of God? (Doctrine of Rewards continued)

01:00 – The lawyer’s question: testing Jesus’ view of inheritance and law

02:00 – What “lawyer” meant in the New Testament context

03:00 – The question isn’t ignorance—it’s a theological challenge

04:00 – “Inherit eternal life” means to participate in the coming Kingdom

05:00 – Jesus’ answer: “Love God… and your neighbor as yourself”

06:00 – Commandments, love, and living fully in God’s Kingdom

07:00 – The Parable of the Good Samaritan: mercy as the mark of Kingdom life

08:30 – Serving those in need as evidence of true righteousness

09:30 – Inheritance as covenant reward language

10:00 – Why entering the Kingdom is difficult for the rich

11:00 – The cost: total dependence on God

12:00 – Defining the Kingdom of God vs. Kingdom of Heaven

13:00 – Participation in Christ’s future rule—what “enter” truly means

14:00 – 1 Corinthians 2:9–10 — the unimaginable greatness of the coming Kingdom

15:00 – “Unimaginable” ≠ “unknowable” — God has revealed it by His Spirit

16:00 – The mystery of God revealed through the Spirit

17:00 – The Kingdom of God as power, not talk

18:00 – The mystery defined: God’s power displayed through man

19:00 – The Kingdom is not a place but a rule — God’s government on earth

20:00 – The perfection of divine rule: “rulers of the ruled”

21:00 – How believers today determine their rank in the coming Kingdom

22:00 – Rewards are earned through faithfulness, not participation

23:00 – Why the rich young ruler’s question was profound not trivial

24:00 – Presidential campaigns vs. Christ’s eternal rule

25:00 – The Kingdom of God as the ultimate government of righteousness

26:00 – If you were Christ’s campaign manager—what would His slogan be?

27:00 – The cost and promise of ruling with Christ in His Kingdom

27:17 – Preview of next episode: “Six Reasons Your Church Probably Doesn’t Teach the Doctrine of Rewards”

Scripture References:

Luke 10:25 –37

Matthew 19:16 –24

Mark 10:17 –31

1 Corinthians 2:9–10

1 Corinthians 4:20

Deuteronomy 4:21

Psalm 37:9–34

Episode Notes Recap:

Week 4 of the Does God Hate the Rich? series:

Clarifies that the lawyer’s question was about Kingdom participation, not salvation.

Defines “inherit eternal life” as covenant reward language.

Distinguishes the Kingdom of God (rule) from the Kingdom of Heaven (place).

Reveals the mystery of God—His power displayed through faithful believers.

Emphasizes that faithfulness now determines rulership later.

Sets up Week 5: Six Reasons the Church Overlooks the Doctrine of Rewards.

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