Jesus’ teachings on how to enter the kingdom of God offer both a challenge and an invitation. At the heart of His message is faith—believing in Him as the Son of God and trusting in His saving grace. But Jesus didn’t stop at belief alone. He called people to repentance, to turn away from sin and embrace a new life led by God. He taught that one must be born again, experiencing a spiritual transformation, and that true discipleship involves obedience to God’s will. These aren’t just abstract ideas—they’re practical, life-altering steps that shape how we live, think, and relate to God and others.
Jesus also emphasized humility, love, forgiveness, righteousness, and perseverance as essential traits for those who seek the kingdom of God. It’s a call to a life that mirrors His—marked by grace, justice, and unwavering faith. These principles don’t just point us toward heaven; they help us experience the kingdom of God here and now. If you’re seeking to understand what it truly means to follow Jesus and live in alignment with His kingdom, keep reading—we’re about to explore each of these powerful truths more deeply.
When you think about Jesus’ teachings, one of the most pressing questions is: what did Jesus say one must do to enter the kingdom of God? Jesus’ words provide a roadmap to this divine destination, and understanding them can profoundly impact your spiritual journey. Let’s dive into the essential elements Jesus highlighted for entering the kingdom of God.
Faith in Jesus Christ
The cornerstone of entering the kingdom of God is faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus made it clear that believing in Him is the first and most crucial step. In John 3:16, He said, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” This verse underscores the importance of faith as a prerequisite for eternal life.
Faith isn’t just intellectual agreement; it’s a deep, personal trust in Jesus and His teachings. It means believing that Jesus is the Son of God, accepting His sacrifice for your sins, and trusting Him as your Lord and Savior.
Repentance
Alongside faith, repentance is vital. Jesus began His ministry with a call to repentance. In Matthew 4:17, He proclaimed, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Repentance means turning away from sin and turning towards God. It involves a heartfelt recognition of your wrongdoings and a sincere commitment to change your ways.
Repentance is more than feeling sorry for your sins; it’s about making a complete turnaround. It’s like doing a 180-degree turn, leaving behind your old life of sin and embracing a new life in Christ.
Born Again
Jesus emphasized the need to be “born again” to enter the kingdom of God. In John 3:3, He told Nicodemus, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Being born again means experiencing a spiritual rebirth. It’s not a physical birth but a transformation of your inner being through the Holy Spirit.
This rebirth involves a renewal of your mind, heart, and spirit. It’s a radical change that affects every aspect of your life, aligning your desires and actions with God’s will.
Obeying God’s Will
Obedience to God’s will is another key aspect of entering the kingdom of God. Jesus said in Matthew 7:21, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” This means that merely professing faith isn’t enough; your actions must reflect your beliefs.
Obeying God’s will involves following His commandments and living a life that pleases Him. It’s about making choices that honor God and reflect His character in your daily life.
Humility
Jesus taught that humility is essential for entering the kingdom of God. In Matthew 18:3-4, He said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Humility involves recognizing your need for God, acknowledging your limitations, and depending on His grace and mercy.
Like a child, you must be willing to trust God completely, admit your weaknesses, and rely on His strength. Humility means putting others before yourself and serving with a selfless heart.
Love and Forgiveness
Jesus consistently emphasized the importance of love and forgiveness. In Matthew 22:37-39, He summarized the greatest commandments: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Love is the hallmark of a true follower of Christ. It’s about loving God wholeheartedly and showing genuine love and compassion to others. Forgiveness is a crucial aspect of this love. In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus taught, “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Loving others means being patient, kind, and forgiving, even when it’s challenging. It’s about extending the same grace and mercy that God has shown you.
Righteousness and Justice
Jesus also spoke about the importance of righteousness and justice. In Matthew 5:20, He said, “For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Righteousness involves living a morally upright life, adhering to God’s standards, and striving for holiness.
Justice means treating others fairly and standing up for what’s right. It’s about being honest, fair, and just in your dealings with others and working to rectify wrongs in society.
Perseverance
Finally, Jesus highlighted the need for perseverance. In Matthew 24:13, He said, “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Perseverance involves staying faithful to God despite trials and tribulations. It’s about maintaining your commitment to Christ, even when facing hardships, temptations, or persecution.
Perseverance means holding on to your faith, continuing to obey God, and trusting Him through all circumstances. It’s about remaining steadfast in your devotion to God until the end.
Conclusion
Entering the kingdom of God requires a multifaceted approach involving faith, repentance, spiritual rebirth, obedience, humility, love, forgiveness, righteousness, justice, and perseverance. Jesus’ teachings provide clear guidance on what’s required to attain this divine goal. By embracing these principles, you can align your life with God’s will and prepare yourself for the eternal kingdom He has promised. Remember, it’s not just about believing; it’s about living out your faith every day in a way that honors God and reflects His love and grace to the world.
FAQs: What Did Jesus Say One Must Do to Enter the Kingdom of God?
1. What is the most important step to enter the kingdom of God?
The most important step is to have faith in Jesus Christ. Believing that Jesus is the Son of God and accepting Him as your Lord and Savior is fundamental. As Jesus said in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”
2. What does it mean to repent?
Repentance involves turning away from sin and turning towards God. It means acknowledging your sins, feeling genuine remorse, and committing to change your ways. Jesus emphasized this in Matthew 4:17, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
3. What does being “born again” mean?
Being “born again” refers to a spiritual rebirth. In John 3:3, Jesus said, “Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” This spiritual transformation is brought about by the Holy Spirit, renewing your mind, heart, and spirit.
4. Why is obedience to God’s will important?
Obedience to God’s will is crucial because it demonstrates your faith in action. Jesus stated in Matthew 7:21, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” It involves following God’s commandments and living a life that pleases Him.
5. How does humility play a role in entering the kingdom of God?
Humility is essential as it involves recognizing your dependence on God and your limitations. Jesus said in Matthew 18:3-4, “Unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
6. What is the significance of love and forgiveness in Jesus’ teachings?
Love and forgiveness are central to Jesus’ teachings. In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus highlighted the greatest commandments: to love God wholeheartedly and to love your neighbor as yourself. Forgiveness is a crucial aspect of this love, as Jesus taught in Matthew 6:14-15 about the necessity of forgiving others to receive God’s forgiveness.
7. What does Jesus mean by righteousness and justice?
Righteousness involves living a morally upright life according to God’s standards, while justice means treating others fairly and standing up for what is right. Jesus stated in Matthew 5:20 that our righteousness should exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees to enter the kingdom of heaven.
8. How important is perseverance in entering the kingdom of God?
Perseverance is vital as it involves remaining faithful to God despite challenges and trials. Jesus said in Matthew 24:13, “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” It’s about maintaining your commitment to Christ through all circumstances.
9. Can anyone enter the kingdom of God?
Yes, anyone who follows the teachings of Jesus can enter the kingdom of God. This includes having faith in Jesus, repenting from sins, being born again, obeying God’s will, practicing humility, loving and forgiving others, living righteously, seeking justice, and persevering in faith.
10. How can I start my journey towards entering the kingdom of God?
You can start by placing your faith in Jesus Christ, repenting of your sins, and inviting the Holy Spirit to transform your life. Engage with the Bible, pray regularly, and seek fellowship with other believers to grow in your faith and understanding of God’s will.
