Quick Q&A: How can I enter the Kingdom of God?

Answer: John the Baptist made some bold statements during his ministry: Matthew 3:1-3, "In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!'  For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: 'The voice of one crying in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the LORD; make His paths straight."’”

Entering the Kingdom of God is a process, and it starts with REPENTANCE. Will it always be easy?  No. We know that Christ suffered terribly, undeservedly. So we, who cannot come close to claiming Christ’s worthiness, must also be ready to suffer.  Consider what the Apostle Paul wrote, that we are children of God, “and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:17-18).

The Bible says that those who are faithful to their Savior, Jesus Christ, will serve under Him in the coming Kingdom of God here on the earth. We should not expect that this is some kind of “automatic” process wherein we just say we love Jesus and thus gain a place in His Kingdom.  Christ told us: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).

Yet we can also take comfort in Christ’s own words: “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:30). Our suffering will be as nothing compared to Christ’s.  And it is well worth it!  God wants you in His Kingdom, “that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.” (1 Thessalonians 2:12). 

Obey God, endure trials as they come, and you can enter not just into God’s Kingdom, but also His glory!