Page 97 - TH130 Kingdom of God A4 Final

Life in the Kingdom

declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance
and have faith in our Lord Jesus” (Acts 20:21, emphasis added).

For someone to truly enter into the kingdom of God, he or she needs to
repent of sins. They must admit that they are sinners, ask God to forgive
them, and turn from their sins. They must also put their faith in Christ,
invite Him into their lives, and receive Him as Lord and Savior. Jesus
promised, “Whoever believes in [Me] shall not perish but have eternal
life” (John 3:16).

Entering the Coming Kingdom
To enter the coming Kingdom, one must first have entered the present
Kingdom through faith. Entering the coming Kingdom also requires
that one continue in faith. It is not enough to simply enter the present
Kingdom and then do nothing else. One must persist in faith if he or she is
to enter the Kingdom which is to come. Jesus said, “He who stands firm to
the end will be saved” (Matthew 10:22). Paul said, “We must go through
many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22). Peter wrote:

Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling
and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall,
and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:10–11)

Continuing in the faith involves several things. It involves faithfully
doing the will of God (Matthew 7:21–23, note the phrase “on that day”).
It also requires casting off everything that hinders (Mark 9:45–47;
Hebrews 12:1) and living a life of true righteousness (Matthew 5:20).
Finally, continuing in the faith involves remaining faithful during trials
and tribulations (Acts 14:22).

The Quality of Life in the Kingdom
A Superior Quality of Life

The Bible describes life in the Kingdom as one of blessing, both in this
life and in the life to come. Jesus said, “No one who has left home or wife
or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will
fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come,
eternal life” (Luke 18:29–30). Those who have entered the Kingdom can

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