Before we proceed with our discussion of Van Ruler's ideas, we must clarify the notion of the kingdom of God. This notion is important for two reasons: Firstly the concept of the kingdom of God involves the total message of the Bible.2.1 The Old Testament knows of the dominion of God over the whole world because He is the creator of heaven and earth.2.2But it also knows of the special relationship between God and the chosen people, Israel: the theocratic relationship.2.3Founded on the confession that God is king the Old Testament also expects that He will become king in an intensified and an eschatological sense.2.4 In the New Testament the kingdom of God is also central; the content of the New Testament kerygma is the coming of the kingdom.2.5 Jesus began his ministry saying: ``The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent and believe the Gospel'' (Mark 1:14). The message of the New Testament is that the kingdom has come, but it also expects a future consummation of the kingdom.2.6 Thus it can be seen that the concept of the kingdom is central to the entire Bible. Secondly, the notion of the kingdom is important because Van Ruler's theology is ``nothing other than a confession of the kingdom of God.''2.7