THE KINGDOM
OF
HEAVEN
What Jesus Saves Us “Into”…
“No eye has seen,
nor ear heard,
nor have entered into
the heart of Man
The things which God
has prepared (in Heaven)
for those who love Him.”
(1 Corinthians 2:9)
The Bible is a Love Story …
The Bible is a love story written upon a wooden Cross lifted high upon a lonely hill in Judea many, many years ago.
Like any wonderful love story, the Bible has a happy ending, a very, very happy ending … for all who will choose wisely.
Heaven is a place of beauty which will be filled with love, peace, and joy (with much laughter) … forever and ever!!!
The Kingdom of Heaven has a Prince (King) who is now preparing a place in Heaven for His Beloved (all believers) who will one day reign with Him, and will be chosen because of their love and faith in Him (even through great suffering).
The Bible is also a Book of War written in blood upon that same wooden Cross raised high upon the hill in Judea.
The Kingdom of Heaven has a good King. A mighty King who is now drawing courageous warriors from all nations to faithfully follow Him into the coming Day of Battle and War.
“The Lord is a Man of War:
The Lord is His Name”.
(Exodus 15:3)
Yet, the Bible warns only a “few” will enter the Kingdom …
“Because narrow is the gate
and difficult is the way
which leads to life (in Heaven),
and there are few who find it.”
(Matthew 7:14)
“For many are called,
but few are chosen.”
(Matthew 7:14)
But, WHY??!!
Because most people will never take the time to simply learn or listen to what the Bible clearly teaches on this matter …
For example, people are seldom taught today the Bible warns we are ALL sinners, and each of us must be “Saved” from our sins (and from Hell) to enter into Heaven …
“This is a faithful saying
and worthy of all acceptance,
that Christ Jesus came into the World
to SAVE sinners”
(1 Timothy 1:5)
“Looking for the blessed hope
and glorious appearing of our great
God and Savior Jesus Christ”
(Titus 2:13)
“And she (Mary) will bear a Son,
and you shall call His name Jesus (Yeshua),
For He will save His people from their sins.”
(Matthew 1:21)
“Nor is there salvation in ANY other,
For there is no other name under Heaven given among men
by which we MUST be saved (from our sins and from Hell).”
(Acts: 4:12)
In Hebrew the name Jesus (Yeshua) literally means “Savior!”
Then, HOW Do I Get Saved And Go To Heaven?
The Bible promises all who sincerely choose to believe the very good news (‘Gospel’ in Greek) that the assurance of life in Heaven can be received freely by placing our love, faith, trust, and obedience in our Savior, the King (Prince) who lovingly suffered greatly and died for all of our sins on the Cross will be saved. Heaven is for all who believe and gladly receive God’s free Gift of life in the Kingdom of Heaven …
“For God so loved the World
that He gave His only begotten Son, (as a gift)
that whoever BELIEVES in Him
should NOT perish (in Hell)
but have everlasting life (in Heaven).
For God did not send His Son
into the world to condemn the world,
but that the world through Him
might be saved (into Heaven).
He (or she) who believes in Him
is not condemned (to Hell);
but he (or she) who does NOT believe
IS condemned already.”
(John 3:16-18)
“IF you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus
and believe in your heart
that God has raised Him from the dead,
you WILL be saved!”
(Romans 10:9)
To the sincere and earnest cry heard in Acts 16:30 …
“What must I do to be saved?”
God (through the Apostle Paul) responded …
“Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you WILL be saved!”
(Acts 16:31)
Believe What??!!
- That Jesus IS the “Son of God”
- That He suffered and died on the Cross for all of our sins
- That He powerfully rose from the dead on the third day
- That He is the only One who can save us into Heaven
- That He is now on His Throne saving all who will believe
For Jesus warns …
“I Am the Way,
the Truth,
and the Life (in Heaven),
and NO ONE comes to the Father (into Heaven)
except through Me”
(John 14:6) (Beware of those who teach any other way!!)
Just as a little child doesn’t need to work (or pay) for a gift lovingly given by their father, neither do we ever have to work (or pay) for God’s loving Gift of Salvation.
This IS the “Very Good News” (‘Gospel’) of Jesus Christ!
Life in Heaven is given as a “gift” and we simply have to lovingly receive God’s gift of eternal life in Heaven through faith in His Son who paid the full price of this Gift for us.
No one can ever “earn” their way into Heaven by performing any kind of good “works,” or by just being a “nice” person, or by following any man-made sets of “rules,” or by trying to “buy” our way into Heaven through paying any person or church money (sometimes called special “indulgences”) …
What DOES the Bible say about needing to add anything to God’s free gift of life in Heaven through His Son?
“For by God’s GRACE
you have been saved (into Heaven)
through FAITH (in Jesus Christ).
And this is not your own doing;
it is the Gift of God, (You can never earn or buy this ‘gift’)
NOT of works,
lest anyone should boast.”
(Ephesians 2:8-9) (Faith saves us … Works add rewards!)
You can receive this precious gift of everlasting life in Heaven right now through faith and love by simply (and sincerely) agreeing with God that you are a sinner and would like to receive the gift of Jesus Christ into your heart as your Lord and Savior … and tell God and Jesus “Thank You!!!”
Then, as you prove it by “repenting” (sincerely doing your best to turn away from sins) and seeking God’s forgiveness whenever you do sin (which we all will), you can rest in complete assurance that whenever your earthly body dies Jesus (God) will be there with open arms and with tears of joy to welcome you into the awesome Kingdom of Heaven!!!
“This is a faithful saying
and worthy of all acceptance,
that Christ Jesus came into the World
to save sinners” (That’s ALL of us!!!)
(1 Timothy 1:5)
Why does God warn only a FEW will enter Heaven?
Part 1
Before we answer this question (from Scripture) let’s first remember that God doesn’t want any to perish (in Hell) …
“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness;
but is longsuffering toward us,
not willing (wanting) that ANY should perish (in Hell),
but that all should come to repentance.”
(2 Peter 3:9)
Now, let’s look at some passages in the Bible where Jesus Himself warns and describes why most (or the “many”) will not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven …
The Parable of the Sower
“And when a great multitude had gathered, and they had come to Him from every city, He spoke by a parable (a type of riddle): “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it. Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it. But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold.” When He had said these things He cried, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Luke 8:4-8)
Jesus then explains the “Parable of the Sower” …
“Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy. But, these have no root. They believe for a while, and then in time of testing (through trials, persecution, or fears of what others might think) fall away. Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with the cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and their fruit doesn’t ripen to maturity. But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the Word hold it fast in an honest and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.” (Luke 8:11-15)
So, basically, the Word of God divides Mankind into four separate “Attitudes” when it comes to hearing and receiving God’s Word, and it appears only one will enter Heaven …
- A “hardened” attitude that immediately despises and rejects the Word of God
- A “shallow” attitude that fails as soon as it encounters distress or feels threatened (or ashamed) for believing Jesus Christ is Lord, Savior, and the Son of God
- A “too busy for God” attitude that spends its time caught up in the cares (and worries) of this world and trusts in money, self-reliance, work, people, or whatever else might bring short-lived comfort (other than God) to get through life, and ignores God (and God’s Word) while busily seeking out those worldly pleasures it feels money can offer in this life
- A “faithful” attitude that no matter how bad things get (or how long they last) will endure in faith by trusting God (and not in themselves, money, or anything else) while earnestly seeking the Kingdom of Heaven (while battling those sinful desires we all struggle with)
Next, Jesus gives us another parable (Matthew 18:21-35) on “Why” many may NOT enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
This parable concerns a king who forgave a man’s huge debt, but that man later refused to forgive another man a small debt, and how the king then threw the first man into prison (Hell) for not forgiving the other as he had been forgiven.
This parable was given to remind people that God has forgiven each one of us a huge debt (of sin which His Son paid for on the Cross) and to warn that God has a zero-tolerance with those who refuse to forgive others in this life for things they have done (no matter how bad or painful).
Jesus reinforces this warning in this following verse (which actually closes the “Lord’s Prayer” in Matthew) …
“For if you forgive men their trespasses (sins against you),
Your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
But if you do not forgive men their trespasses,
Neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
(Matthew 6:14-15) (It takes real faith to forgive others)
As a note, God also warns those people you forgive won’t get away with whatever they did to you, if it was wrong and painful.
God says leave it to Him. Your job is to forgive.
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves,
but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.””
(Romans 12:19)
Our God and Father in Heaven will ALWAYS forgive us (if we ask)
“IF we confess our sins, (to God in prayer)
He is faithful and just
to forgive us our sins (if we sincerely ask Him to forgive)
and to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness.”
(1 John 1:9) (This verse is a soft pillow to a weary head)
Always pray to God our Father in Heaven in Jesus Christ’s Name.
The Bible warns those who reject or ignore God’s Gift and will continue to sin willfully, with NO repentance or remorse, and will not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.
“Do you not know that the unrighteous
will NOT inherit the Kingdom of God?
Do not be deceived:
Neither the sexually immoral,
nor idolaters, (placing faith or loving anything above God)
nor adulterers,
nor homosexuals,
nor thieves,
nor the greedy,
nor drunkards,
nor slanderers,
nor cheaters
will inherit the Kingdom of God.
And such were some of you. (We’re ALL sinners!)
But you were washed, (His blood cleanses us of all sin)
you were sanctified, (set-apart by God through Jesus Christ)
you were justified (“saved” from all of our sins)
In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ
and by the Spirit of our God.”
(1 Corinthians 6:9-11)
The Kingdom of Heaven will be FILLED with unrighteous sinners who have placed their love and faith in Jesus Christ!!!
The Great Commandments
When asked which is the Greatest Commandment in the Bible to obey (in order to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven), Jesus teaches the greatest Commandment pertains to “Love.”
“Then one of them, a lawyer,
asked Him (Jesus) a question to test Him.
‘Teacher, which is the
Great Commandment in the Law?’
Jesus said to him,
“You shall love the LORD your God
with all your heart,
with all your soul,
and with all your mind.
This is the FIRST and Great Commandment.”
(We are to love our God and Father in Heaven above all)
(Matthew 22:34-40)
Jesus also clearly tells us …
“I and the Father (God) are One.”
(John 10:30) (Our loving King is our Lord and our God)
He then teaches (and warns) the Second greatest Commandment also pertains to Biblical “Love.”
“And the SECOND (greatest Commandment) is like it:
“You shall love your neighbor (others) as yourself.”
On these Two Commandments
hang ALL the Law and the Prophets.”
(Matthew 22:34-40)
We are commanded by God to treat all others exactly as we would want to be treated, no matter what the circumstance.
And, if we love them, we will also warn them of the grave and terrible danger “If we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth” (Hebrews 10: 24-39).
The greatest sins are to disobey these two commandments.
Why does God warn only a FEW will enter Heaven?
Part 2
As noted earlier, the Bible is also a story of War, and the Kingdom of Heaven has a mighty King who is now enlisting trustworthy warriors to courageously, loyally, faithfully, and lovingly follow Him into the coming Day of Battle and War.
The Bible warns in order to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven we must be prepared to live the disciplined life of a “soldier” during this short life on Earth …
“You therefore must endure hardship
As a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
No one engaged in warfare
entangles himself with the affairs of this life,
that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.”
(2 Timothy 2:3-4)
The Bible warns Satan is the “Ruler of this World” (John 14:30, 16:11), and this World is at war against God.
The Bible also warns there is a coming War in Heaven where Satan and all of his angels will be cast down to the Earth sometime around the time of the coming “Apocalypse”…
“Then war broke out in Heaven.
Michael and his angels fought against the Dragon (Satan),and the Dragon and his angels fought back.
But he (Satan) was not strong enough,
and they lost their place in Heaven.”
(Revelation 12:7-10)
“And another sign appeared in Heaven:
behold, a great, fiery red dragon (Satan)
having seven heads and ten horns,
and seven diadems on his heads.
His tail drew a third
of the stars (angels) of Heaven
and threw them to the Earth.”
(Revelation 12:3-4)
“So the great dragon was cast out,
that Serpent of old,
called the Devil and Satan,
who deceives the whole world;
he was cast to the Earth,
and his angels were cast out with him.”
(Revelation 12:9)
Satan and his angels, the fallen ones, apparently one-third of all angels created, will be cast down to Earth. Before this they roamed both heaven and Earth. Satan and most of his angels are not currently confined in Hell.
We are told the Earth is a deadly, spiritual battlefield, and that we (as believing Christians) are greatly outnumbered.
Christians are already engaged in this war …
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood,
but against Principalities,
against Powers,
against the Rulers
of the Darkness of this Age,
Against spiritual armies (hosts) of wickedness
in the heavenly places.”
(These are military ranks of angels and demons)
(Ephesians 6:12)
Armageddon … the final battle will be fought here on Earth.
The Bible warns we are in a war. Satan wants to destroy every believing-Christian (and Jew) on Earth, and he will do anything (through fear, lust, greed, or pride) to keep “many” from following Jesus Christ into the Kingdom of Heaven.
So, when we choose to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, please be warned we are entering into a spiritual battlefield. We must be willing to faithfully and obediently follow Jesus Christ as our Lord and King. The final victory is already His.
We find examples (maybe a pattern) in the Bible where God chooses only a faithful and courageous “few” (out of many) who are willing to follow Him no matter what the cost.
In the book of Judges we find the Lord instructing Gideon to choose only 300 soldiers out of the 32,000 who were initially called (or received their army draft notices) to lead into battle against an enemy army of 130,000!
The original 32,000 were given a choice: “Whoever is fearful and trembling, let him return home and hurry away from Mount Gilead.’ Then 22,000 of the people returned, and 10,000 remained. And the Lord said to Gideon, ‘The people are still too many” (Judges 7:2-7). 300 were finally chosen.
Our King is seeking those who are unafraid and unashamed.
Then in 1 Samuel we find a description of the army of 400 who left everything to follow King David into battle (and there are parallels between King David and Christ) …
“David departed from there
and escaped to the cave of Adullam.
And when his brothers and all his father’s house heard it,
they went down there to him.
And everyone who was in distress,
and everyone who was in debt,
and everyone who was discontent,
gathered to him. (Much like many followers of Jesus)
And he became commander over them.
And there were with him about four hundred men.”
(1 Samuel 22:1-2)
Yet later, after King David became king over all Israel we are told the total number of men who were of age and capable of military service was over one million in Israel and Judah!
We MUST “KNOW” The King To Enter Into Heaven.
We are warned many who would call themselves “Christian” because they attend some church or were baptized as a baby will one day fearfully tremble because they were either “too busy” or never really cared enough to take the time to know the good King (and coming Bridegroom) Jesus Christ …
“The Bridegroom (Jesus Christ) came,
And they that were ready went in with Him to the wedding;
and the door was shut. (The coming Rapture)
Afterward the other (5 foolish) virgins came also saying,
‘Lord, Lord, open to us.’
But He answered and said,
‘Truly, I say to you,
I DO NOT KNOW YOU.’
(Matthew 25:1-13)
“MANY (who call themselves Christian)
will say to Me (Jesus) in that Day (of Judgment)
‘Lord, Lord’… and then I will declare to them
‘I NEVER KNEW YOU,
DEPART FROM ME (from Heaven and into Hell)
You who practice Lawlessness.'”
(Matthew 7:21-23) (Sinning willfully with no repentance)
But, HOW do we come to know Him??!!
If we love Him we will want to come to know Him through learning His Word (including His Law) as found in the Bible.
We also come to know Him through prayer.
We are to spend time with God (through Jesus) in prayer.
We will always find a loving God and Father ready to listen whenever we pray!!!
“If anyone LOVES God,
he is KNOWN by God.”
(1 Corinthians 8:3)
And Jesus, who is God (and the “Word of God”), says …
“If you love Me,
you will obey My Commandments.”
(John 14:14)
“Lawlessness” … Yet, many churches today are now teaching it is all right to pick and choose which of God’s Laws and Rules in the Bible to obey and which ones they think can be ignored or disobeyed.
Satan (which means “adversary” or “enemy”) boasted …
“I will be like the Most High (God).’”
(Isaiah 14:13-15)
Satan also thought he could choose which laws to obey!
We are warned all who willfully disobey, reject, or ignore God’s Laws and Rules have chosen to serve Satan rather than Lord Jesus and will NOT enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.
Choose This Day Whom You Will Serve
Jesus warns,
“He who is not with Me is against Me.”
(You are either for Him or against Him …)
(Matthew 12:30)
“And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD,
choose for yourselves this day
whom you will serve.”
(Joshua 24:15)
Each person on Earth must choose whom they will serve. The Bible says the choice is clear. Jesus says we are either for Him or against Him. We are either His friend or His enemy. There is no in between. There is no neutral ground. To simply ignore the choice is a choice.
Hopefully, these teachings have helped answer the question:
“Why are we warned only a few will enter into Heaven?”
QUESTION: What does the term “Born again” mean?
ANSWER: Nicodemus, a powerful Jewish religious leader (who we find later did come to believe and accept Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah) came secretly to speak with Jesus one night …
“Jesus answered and said to him,
‘Most assuredly, I say to you,
unless one is born again,
he cannot see the Kingdom of God.’
Nicodemus said to Him,
‘How can a man be born when he is old?
Can he enter a second time
into his mother’s womb and be born?’
Jesus answered, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you,
UNLESS one is born of water AND the Spirit,
he CANNOT enter the Kingdom of God (Heaven).
That which is born of the flesh is flesh,
and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.’”
(John 3:3-6)
We had no choice concerning our first birth (“of the flesh”), but to be born again of the Spirit and into the Kingdom of Heaven requires a conscious choice and decision on our part.
The Bible says if we believe, sincerely and in faith, that Jesus (“the Son of God”) lovingly and willingly suffered and died on the Cross for us (as God’s “sacrificial Lamb” which takes away all our sins “once and for all”), was buried, then rose again the third day (through the awesome power of God), and sincerely (and lovingly) accept Him as our Lord, invite Him into our lives, and turn back to God (and turn away from our sinful ways), then we are “born again” (and even called “a new creation”). For we are told that His shed blood washes away all of our sins (no matter how many or how bad)!
This time, we are born of the Spirit and are told we will be “indwelt” by the Holy Spirit (which we can’t see but the evidence is reflected in how our lives begin to change).
This is God’s Word and HIS Promise!
Then, even while facing the difficult tests and trials we will find in our earthly lives, we can rest knowing our eternal destiny is assured, and since we now have the hope and promise of eternal life through our “second birth” (in Heaven) we no longer have to fear the “second death” (in Hell).
God’s Promise
It has been said that for those who sincerely place their love, faith and trust in Jesus Christ to save them from all of their sins, this short life on Earth will be the closest thing to Hell that we will ever experience. But, for those who ignore or reject Him, this short life on Earth will be the closest thing to Heaven.
Jesus died rejected and alone on the Cross.
The Bible, God’s Word, tells us that it was not the nails which were driven through His hands and feet that kept Jesus on the Cross, it was His love for you!
He willingly and lovingly took the penalty and punishment for all of your sins. Each and every one of them, regardless how big or how small. Your debt, paid in full, by Him.
Through God’s grace, you simply need to accept it and believe it.
It is free to everybody. It is available to everybody. But, God has given each of us the free will to make our own choice.
THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN HAS A KING
“Now I saw Heaven opened,
and behold, a white horse.
And He who sat on him
was called Faithful and True,
and in righteousness
He judges and makes war.
His eyes were like a flame of fire,
and on His head were many crowns.
He had a Name written
that no one knew except Himself.
He was clothed with a robe
dipped in blood,
and His Name is called
The Word of God.
And the armies in Heaven,
clothed in fine linen, white and clean,
followed Him on white horses.
Now out of His mouth
goes a sharp sword,
that with it He should strike the nations.
And He Himself will rule them
with a rod of iron.
He Himself treads the winepress
of the fierceness and wrath
of Almighty God.
And He has on His robe
and on His thigh
a Name written:
KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”
(Revelation 19:11-16)
If you choose to put your love, faith, trust, and obedience into this King, He will be waiting with outstretched arms and with tears of joy to welcome you into His Kingdom of Heaven!!!
Grace and Shalom