At what point can I enter into the kingdom of God?

For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed [the righteousness] of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. – Matthew 5:20 KJV

When we are born again, saved, or receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, our righteousness immediately exceeds any human being’s.

Paul states in 2 Corinthians 5:21 that God made Jesus who knew no sin to be sin for us so that we may be made God’s righteousness in Christ Jesus.

Born Again = Righteousness of God!

If you are born again (John 3:7), you have been saved and have already been granted access to enter into the kingdom.

Enter into His kingdom here and now! Life eternal begins now in this earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10, 18:19). Jesus defines life eternal as knowing Him and knowing the Father (John 17:3).

In John 12:46, Jesus says that whosoever believes on Him should not abide in darkness. “Should” not? Jesus provided everything, you get to choose whether or not you receive.

Peter tells us in 1 Peter 2:9 that God has called us out of darkness into His glorious light! Not calling us out but He has already called us out!

The Apostle Paul says in Colossians 1:13, that God has delivered us from the power of darkness, and has translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son! Past tense means it has been done!

In and Out

Jesus tells us to enter in by Him (John 10:9). Experience God’s kingdom by entering here and now through Jesus. Freely go in and be filled and then go out into the world and pour out His Holy Spirit. Our Lord says we will find pasture.

Revelation 3:12 tells us that once we have overcome, we will not go out anymore!

The Truth Shall Set You Free

Jesus says some harsh words in Matthew 7:21-23. But He tells us the truth that will set us free.

Not everyone 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 KJV

Do not be deceived.

Why are these words repeated in the Bible?

Because our enemy is a deceiver! Check out this 30-second premiere clip below of the awesome six-minute video that is now available by the Bible Project to find out more:

The Chaos Dragon

Be Not Deceived!

Deceived Hypocrites

But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in [yourselves], neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. – Matthew 23:13 KJV

Hypocrites refuse to go into the kingdom here and now! And if we aren’t diligent about discipleship, the enemy will use them to render useless the body of Jesus.

How?

By convincing Christians that they cannot experience the goodness of God now, in this life (Mark 10:30, Luke 18:30).

The Cares of This World

And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! – Mark 10:24 KJV

Why were the disciples astonished at Jesus’ words? Because they were rich! But they walked away from their businesses, families, and everything to follow Jesus. That is a disciple!

John warns us in 1 John 5:21 to keep ourselves from idols.

What is an idol?

Anything that distracts you from seeking God’s kingdom is an idol. Peter tells us to humble ourselves and cast all our cares upon God because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:6-7). Then Peter tells us why in 1 Peter 5:8-9. He doesn’t say that God is going to zap us with loss or suffering to teach us a lesson!

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein. – Luke 18:17 KJV

Just believe God and receive the kingdom (Mark 11:24). God believes His word. Do you believe your Father?

Through Many Tribulations

Confirming the souls of the disciples, [and] exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. – Acts 14:22 KJV

Disciple!

Be a disciple and enter the kingdom even through many tribulations!

Going Through It

Jesus tells us that we can be wise or foolish, but the storm is coming! Why? Because, we have an enemy whose only mission is to steal, kill, and destroy God’s children (John 10:10).