The Daily Word of Righteousness

An Examination of Current Teaching, #30

Again he said, "What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade." (Mark 4:30-32)

To enter the Kingdom of God is to go to Heaven.

As in the case of eternal life, the Kingdom of God, or Kingdom of Heaven, has nothing to do with going to Heaven. The Kingdom of God is the rule of God, and this is why it is called the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God at this time is in Heaven, for the most part, and this is why it is called the Kingdom of Heaven. The same parables are used to describe the Kingdom of Heaven and the Kingdom of God, so we know they are not two different kingdoms.

We have to be born again in order to see and enter the Kingdom of God. This is because the Kingdom of God is that which is born in us. It is Christ conceived and formed in us.

The Kingdom of God is in Heaven now and God's will is done there. When the Lord Jesus returns to earth, the Kingdom of God will be in the earth and God's will shall be done here.

Being saved means we will not be destroyed when God judges the world. Entering the Kingdom of God means we have brought ourselves under the rule of God. We now are doing His will.

It is impossible for anyone to be in the Kingdom of God who persists in following his own desires. God will not permit this in His Kingdom, not by grace (forgiveness), mercy, or any other means. If we continue to walk according to our sinful nature, we shall not inherit the Kingdom of God, even though we profess faith in Jesus Christ.

Sin and disobedience to God began in Heaven. This is why going to Heaven is not the same as entering the Kingdom of God.

But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. (Matthew 12:28)

Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. (Matthew 21:43)

Nor will people say, "Here it is," or "There it is," because the kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17:21)

In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. " (John 3:3)

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21)

To be continued.