the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:2–10 contain an interesting contrast between present and future rewards. Whereas the rewards of verses 2 and 10, which frame the Beatitudes, are in the present (‘for theirs is the kingdom of heaven’), all of the other rewards are future orientated: they shall be comforted; they shall inherit the earth; they shall be satisfied; they shall receive mercy; they shall see God; they shall be called sons of God. This distinction is significant, for it underscores that although the kingdom of God (the reign of Christ) is a present reality, the consummated kingdom awaits his
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