Getting to the Kingdom

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; 

but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 7:21

When Jesus came to earth to extend the Kingdom of God, some who acknowledged Him as King thought the Kingdom would come through revolution. They thought there would be an actual physical revolt against the existing ruling powers of the world. But Jesus taught that the keys to His Kingdom was not revolution but repentance:  

Jesus answered, My Kingdom is not of this world: if my Kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my Kingdom not from hence.  John 18:36

Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the Gospel.  Mark 1:14-15

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.  Matthew 4:17

When Jesus died on the cross two thieves were crucified on crosses near Him. One of them repented and asked:  

Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy Kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.  Luke 23:42-43

Repentance is the only way to gain access to the Kingdom of God.

Jesus warned that there would be many false doctrines with claims that they were the way to the Kingdom:

Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.  Matthew 7:13-14

There is only one way to enter the Kingdom and that is through Jesus Christ.

Jesus warned that we should enter the gate to eternal life now, because one day the entrance will be shut:  

Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us: and He shall answer and say unto you, I know not whence ye are.  Luke 13:24-25

Now the door to the Kingdom is open. You can enter it by repentance from sin. In the time of God's judgment of the world, it will be too late. The door will be closed.

Jesus told a series of parables in Luke 15:1-32.  They all concern entrance to the Kingdom of God.

Ø  The parable of the shepherd seeking the lost sheep illustrates how God seeks to bring those who are spiritually lost into His Kingdom.

Ø  The parable of the woman looking for a lost coin illustrates the diligence with which you should seek for those lost in sin to guide them to the Kingdom.

Ø  The parable of the lost son illustrates the principle of repentance through which you can gain your rightful place as an heir of the Kingdom of God.

It is through faith in God through His Son, Jesus Christ that you enter the Kingdom of God:

Hearken, my beloved brethren, hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the Kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him.  James 2:5

The Apostle Peter, however, speaks of spiritual qualities we should seek to develop in our life after the new birth experience:

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue: and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.   2 Peter 1:5-11

After we enter the Kingdom through faith, we must develop a lifestyle consistent with governing principles of the Kingdom of God. If we do not do this, we will soon forget God has cleansed us from sin and return to the old sinful lifestyle.  Therefore hear the word of God, seek Him with your whole heart by striving to apply it to your life.

(Biblical Studies)

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