What do we pray for in the second petition?

1. How manifold is God’s [kingdom] in this world?

TWOFOLD; namely, his general, essential, or providential kingdom; and his special kingdom.

2. What is his general kingdom?

It is the absolute power and sovereignty which he exercises over all things in heaven, earth, and hell, for the purposes of his own glory, “His kingdom ruleth over all.”

3. What is his special kingdom?

It is the government and care which he exercises in and over his church and people, as a society distinct from the rest of the world, “God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth.”

4. Into whose hands is the management of God’s special kingdom committed?

Into the hands of Christ as Mediator.

5. How is this kingdom, as committed into his hands, usually called?

His mediatory, or donative kingdom.

6. Why called his mediatory kingdom?

Because he holds it as Mediator.

7. Why called his donative kingdom?

Because it is given him of the Father, as a reward of his meritorious obedience and suffering; Matthew 28:18 and to distinguish it from his essential kingdom.

8. May his essential kingdom be said to be given him?

By no means: because it is natural to him as God equal with the Father; and can no more be given him, than his divine nature and personality can.

9. What are we directed to pray in this petition, with reference to God’s kingdom in general?

That it may COME; [Thy kingdom come].

10. In what sense may we pray for the coming of his essential kingdom?

Only in this sense, that he would more and more demonstrate his supreme power and sovereignty over all things; and that the same may be more and more acknowledged by the children of men.

11. Would it be warrantable for us to pray, that he would govern the world, or actually exercise his supreme power?

It would be no more warrantable to pray for this, than to pray that he would be an infinite sovereign, which he cannot but be; and act agreeable to his nature, which he cannot but do.

12. Whether is it the coming of God’s general or special kingdom that is chiefly intended in the answer?

It is the coming of his special kingdom of grace here, and of glory hereafter.

13. Are the kingdoms of grace and glory different kingdoms?

They are not so much different kingdoms, as different STATES in the same kingdom; according to the common maxim, Grace is glory begun, and glory is grace consummated, or in perfection.

14. How may the kingdom of grace, in this world, be viewed?

Either as to outward dispensation, or inward operation.

15. What is it as to outward dispensation?

It is just the preaching of the gospel, “Jesus came—preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God.”

16. What is it as to inward operation?

It is the work of saving grace in the soul, “Behold, the kingdom of God is within you.”

17. Why called [the kingdom of grace]?

Because the gathering of sinners into this kingdom, for their salvation, is of grace, both as to the means and end.

18. What do we pray for, with reference to the kingdom of grace, when we say, Thy kingdom come?

We do not pray that it may be erected as a new thing in the world, but that it may be [advanced] therein.

19. Why should we not pray, that Christ’s kingdom of grace may be erected, or set up as a new thing in the world?

Because this would be, in effect, to deny that Christ had ever a church on this earth; whereas it is most certain, that ever since the first promise, he has always had a church therein, and will have it unto the end of time.

20. But is it not our duty to pray, that the kingdom of grace may be set up in these parts of the world where it is not at present?

To be sure it is: for we should pray, That the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified; 2 Thessalonians 3:1 and that the earth may be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea; Isaiah 11:9 which is the same with praying, That the kingdom of grace may be advanced.

21. What should we pray for as pre-requisite to the advancing of the kingdom of grace?

In order hereunto we should pray, [That Satan’s kingdom may be destroyed].

22. What is the meaning of the name SATAN?

It is an Hebrew word, signifying an adversary; as indeed the devil is an implacable adversary, burning with hatred and enmity, both against God, and therefore called his enemy; Matthew 13:25 and against man, “Your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8

23. What do you understand by [Satan’s kingdom]?

That power and dominion which he usurps over mankind-sinners, who are by nature lawful captives.

24. If sinners of mankind are by nature lawful captives, how can Satan’s dominion over them be said to be usurped?

Though they be justly delivered into his hands as a jailor, yet he has no right to rule over them as a prince.

25. Do they not voluntarily subject themselves to his dominion?

Yes: and this is both their sin and their judgment.

26. What is the principal seat of Satan’s kingdom?

The HEART of every man and woman by nature.

27. What is the foundation and bulwark of this kingdom?

SIN, both original and actual.

28. What should we pray for, with reference to this kingdom of Satan?

That it [may be destroyed].

29. Why should we pray for the destruction of this kingdom?

Because the work of grace cannot take place, nor succeed in the soul, but upon the ruins of Satan’s interest in it.

30. How then is Satan’s kingdom destroyed in the world?

By the advancement of the kingdom of grace therein.

31. When may the kingdom of grace be said to be advanced?

When [ourselves and others are brought into it, and kept in it].

32. How are we and others [brought] into this kingdom?

By the gracious influences of the Spirit of God, accompanying the dispensation of the gospel with irresistible power.

33. How are we and others [kept] in it?

By continued emanations of grace out of the fulness of Christ, whereby the principle of grace is quickened, strengthened, and preserved.

34. What should we pray for, as the means of bringing into this kingdom?

We should pray, “that the gospel may be propagated throughout the world, the Jews called, the fulness of the Gentiles brought in; that the ordinances of Christ may be purely dispensed, and made effectual to the converting of those that are yet in their sins.” [Larger Cat. Quest. 191.]

35. What should we pray for as means of being kept in it?

That the same ordinances may be effectual to the “confirming, comforting, and building up of these that are already converted.” [Larger Cat. Quest. 191.]

36. Can any subject of this kingdom ever apostatize from it?

No: they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.

37. Why then should we pray to be kept in it?

Because perseverance, being a promised privilege, should, on that account, be prayed for, “Strengthen thou me according to thy word.”

38. What security have the saints that they shall be kept in this kingdom?

They have the stability of the promise; Jeremiah 32:40 the efficacy of Christ’s obedience to the death in their stead; Ephesians 5:25, 27 the prevalency of his intercession; John 17:24 and the inhabitation of his Spirit, Romans 8:11 for their security in this matter.

39. What is [the kingdom of glory]?

It is that state of inconceivable happiness and bliss into which the saints shall be brought after death.

40. Wherein will the [glory] of this kingdom consist?

In a perfect conformity unto, and the immediate and uninterrupted vision and fruition of God through all eternity.

41. When will the kingdom of glory come in the full manifestation thereof?

At the second coming of Christ to judgment.

42. What are we to pray for with reference to this kingdom?

That it [may be hastened].

43. When we pray that it may be [hastened], do we mean, that the set time for the second coming of Christ may be anticipated, or come sooner than the moment fixed for it in infinite wisdom?

No: we wish it no sooner, but only express our ardent desire to depart and to be with Christ, which is far better than to be hereaway.

44. Why do the saints so earnestly desire to be with Christ in glory?

That an eternal period may be put to all their sinning, and to every thing that has a tendency to detract from the glory of his kingdom, and the happiness of his subjects: wherefore, as he saith, Surely I come quickly; so they pray, Amen, even so, come Lord Jesus.