On the Coming Kingdom of God" by Andrew Hopkins explores biblical patterns that reveal God's consistent methods of establishing His presence among His people through progressive stages of redemptive history. Written as a dialogue between Hopkins and an AI assistant, the book identifies recurring cycles and typological connections throughout Scripture.
Hopkins begins by examining parallel life patterns between biblical figures like Jacob and Moses, who both fled for their lives, met wives at wells, worked as shepherds, and returned to confront those they fled from. These cycles, intersecting at Egypt, point toward Mount Moriah, where both Abraham and later David made offerings that established sacred spaces. The author demonstrates how catastrophic events-such as the golden calf incident and David's census-became divine opportunities to create space within Israel where God could dwell.
Central to the book's thesis is the progression of God's dwelling places through three phases: Mount Sinai (informal), the tabernacle (formal and mobile), and Solomon's Temple (glorified and permanent). Hopkins interprets these as representing the spiritual development of Christ's body, with the final stage representing the full manifestation of God's presence when all nations seek divine wisdom.
The work develops rich typological connections between Old Testament events and Christ's ministry. Moses is presented as a type of Christ-both performed signs and wonders, offered rest from burdens, and led people to freedom. Egypt represents bondage to the Mosaic Law, while the Red Sea crossing symbolizes baptism into Christ. Jesus' ministry parallels Israel carrying the Ark of the Covenant into battle, with both culminating in rest and victory.
Hopkins connects God's descent on Mount Sinai with the Holy Spirit's arrival at Pentecost, arguing that the law given at Sinai was intentionally replaced by the Spirit on the same festival day. He examines how moments of judgment led to the establishment of sacred spaces, as seen with the Levites during the golden calf incident and David's offering after the plague.
The book develops a framework for understanding apocalyptic passages in Daniel and Jesus' Olivet Discourse, distinguishing between the great tribulation (persecution of God's people) and the Day of the Lord (divine judgment on persecutors). The cosmic signs in Matthew 24 mark the transition between these periods, connecting to Noah's flood as a pattern where remnants are preserved through judgment before a new creation emerges.
Hopkins also explores "hidden sins" and their consequences across generations, from Rachel's theft of Laban's idols affecting Benjamin in Egypt to David's covered sin with Bathsheba. He shows how God uses repentant sinners in His redemptive plan, transforming guilt into sacrificial love.
The work culminates in an apocalyptic framework integrating Daniel's visions and Jesus'
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