7 Facts Jesus Taught on the Heavenly Kingdom
Jesus taught that the kingdom of heaven is a spiritual realm where God reigns and that it is available to all who believe in him. He taught that it is a place of peace, love, and righteousness and that it is accessible through faith and repentance. He also taught that the kingdom of heaven is already present in the world, but that it will be fully realized in the future.
Let’s be clear: it is not any “good works” which will save you, and provide access to this beautiful place. Disciples of Jesus do not “work to be saved”, rather, “we do so because we are saved”!
The Bible teaches: “it is by grace through faith that you are saved. It is a free gift of God so that no one can brag how much work they did to receive the gift”(Ephesians 2:8-9).
Here is seven (7) facts Jesus taught us about the Kingdom of Heaven:
1. The kingdom of heaven is a central theme in the teachings of Jesus. He often spoke about the kingdom of heaven and the need for people to enter it. 2. The kingdom of heaven is not a physical place, but a spiritual realm where God reigns. However, after the events in the Book of Revelation, this place will extend to a re-created and sin free Earth. 3. The kingdom of heaven is available to all people who believe in Jesus and repent of their sins. 4. The kingdom of heaven is characterized by peace, love, and righteousness. 5. Jesus taught that the kingdom of heaven is already present in the world, but will be fully realized in the future. 6. God's Son emphasized that the way to enter the kingdom of heaven is through faith and repentance, rather than good works or adherence to religious laws. 7. Our Messiah taught that the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field or a pearl of great value, and that it is worth sacrificing everything to gain entry into it.
The kingdom of heaven was a central theme in Jesus' teachings because it was a fundamental aspect of his message and mission. Jesus came to proclaim the good news of the kingdom of heaven and to invite people to enter it. He saw the kingdom of heaven as a way to bring salvation and redemption to the people, and to bring them into a right relationship with God.
Jesus' teachings about the kingdom of heaven were also a direct challenge to the religious and political authorities of his time, who held a different understanding of God's rule and the coming of the kingdom. Jesus' message of the kingdom of heaven was also a powerful call to repentance. Further, it is a new way of life for the people, emphasizing the importance of living for Jesus Christ.
Additionally, the concept of kingdom of heaven also had a strong eschatological significance. This means it was related to the end times or the final judgement. Jesus’ message was that the end of time was near, and that the kingdom of heaven was available to those who repented and believed in him.
What is Heaven Like?
The Bible describes heaven as a place of great beauty and glory, where God dwells and reigns. It is a place of perfect peace and joy, free from pain, sorrow, and death. In the book of Revelation, John describes a vision of heaven as a city with walls of jasper and gates of pearl, and streets of pure gold.
He also describes the presence of the throne of God and the Lamb (Jesus), as well as the presence of angels and the twenty-four elders. The throne is described as surrounded by a rainbow, which shines like an emerald.
The Bible also describes heaven as a place where God's people will live in perfect harmony with him. In Revelation 21:3 it says, "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God."
Additionally, the Bible teaches that in heaven, believers will be given new bodies that will be free from the effects of sin and death. In 1 Corinthians 15:44 it says "It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body."
In summary, according to the Bible, heaven is a place of great beauty and glory. Further, it is an abode where God reigns, and where his people live in perfect harmony with him. We will be free from pain, sorrow, death, and in perfect and glorified bodies. What is interesting about Heaven, is Christians we see as the best and brightest may not be there.
Sometimes, we tend to associate religious degrees, ministry accomplishments, and even amounts of money people have with whether they will get to Heaven. The blessing is Jesus came and because of this, all the other "stuff" is irrelevant to that relationship.
Who is Allowed into the Celestial City
According to the Bible, anyone who believes in Jesus and repents of their sins is allowed into the kingdom of God. This is a central theme in Jesus' teachings and is emphasized throughout the New Testament.
In the Bible, Jesus teaches that the way to enter the kingdom of God is through faith in him as the Son of God and the Messiah. He also emphasizes the importance of repentance, which is the turning away from sin and turning towards God.
For example, in Mark 1:14-15 it says, "After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 'The time has come,' he said. 'The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!’ “It is also important to note that the Bible teaches that the kingdom of God is not just a future destination, but it is also a present reality for those who have entered into it through faith in Jesus.
In summary, anyone who believes in Jesus and repents of their sins is allowed into the kingdom of God according to the Bible. This requires repenting which laments our wrongdoings against the righteousness of God.
Here are three (3) of many more texts describing “who” will enter the Celestial City/Kingdom of God:
1. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16 2. "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life." - John 5:24 3. "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 7:21
These verses all teach that people who enter God's kingdom are those who believe in Jesus as Christ through faith. Additionally, in the last verse, Matthew 7:21, Jesus is emphasizing that not only belief but also doing the will of God is important for entering the kingdom of heaven.
Who Will not Inherit This Abode of God
According to the Bible, there are some individuals who will not be allowed into the heavenly kingdom.
Jesus teaches in Matthew 7:21-23 that not everyone who calls him "Lord" will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of his Father in heaven.
In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus describes a final judgment in which some individuals will be separated from God and cast into eternal punishment because they failed to care for the poor and needy.
In Revelation 21:8 it says "But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."
In Matthew 13:41-43 and Matthew 25:41, Jesus speaks about the angels separating the wicked from the righteous and casting them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
It is important to note that, according to the Bible, the opportunity to enter God's kingdom is available to all people through faith in Jesus and repentance of sins. However, those who reject Jesus and do not repent of their sins will not be allowed into the heavenly kingdom.
Sin is an act or behavior that goes against God's commands and laws. It is a separation from God and his will. In the Bible, sin is described as rebellion against God and his ways, as well as disobedience to his laws. Sin can take many forms, such as lying, stealing, murder, sexual immorality, greed, envy, and pride. It is not just limited to physical actions, but it also encompasses thoughts, attitudes, and motives that are in opposition to God's righteousness.
Sin has a negative effect not only on the individual but also on the relationships and society. In the Bible, sin brings about consequences, such as death and separation from God. The only way to reverse this is through repentance and forgiveness, offered through Jesus.
Hell and the Lake of Fire
Those not allowed into God’s Kingdom will spend eternity in a place called Hell and the Lake of Fire. In the Bible, hell and the lake of fire are described as the final destination for those who reject God and do not repent (turn from) sin. It is a place of eternal punishment and separation from God.
Further, the text describes it as a place of darkness and fire, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. It is often associated with eternal conscious torment and eternal separation from God. It is also described as the "second death" in Revelation 20:14 and it says: "Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death."
Here are further scriptures describing this awful place:
1. "But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death." - Revelation 21:8 2. "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.'" - Matthew 25:41 3. "And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell." - Matthew 18:9
In summary, Hell is the opposite of Heaven and a place which stores (and tortures) the souls of Unbelievers in Jesus. Let’s be a bit clearer: anyone, even those professing some “religious affiliation” other than Jesus Christ, will end up in this awful place. Whether Muslims, Buddhists, Taoists, Catholics, Jehovah Witnesses, Mormons, Black Hebrews, and even followers of Judaism, will be their eternal home.
Are My Loved Ones in Heaven
The Bible does not provide a clear-cut answer on whether believers will see their loved ones in God's kingdom. However, it does offer some indications that this may be the case.
For example, in 1st Thessalonians 4:13-18, the Apostle Paul writes about the belief in the resurrection of the dead and the coming of Jesus Christ. He says that believers who have died will be raised from the dead. Further, they will be reunited with those who are still alive, and they will be taken together to meet the Lord in the air. In 2nd Corinthians 5:8, Paul also says that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
Also, in Revelation 7:9-17, it describes a vision of “a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people and language standing before the throne and before the Lamb, and they are singing ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb’!"
Although the Bible does not give a definitive answer on this topic, these verses suggest that believers may be reunited with their loved ones in God's kingdom. As both you (and they) are followers of Jesus, you will be together with the Lord in a state of eternal joy and peace.
It is worth noting that, the Bible's main focus is not on the afterlife but on the present life and the way to live it according to God's will, and that the ultimate goal is not to be reunited with loved ones but to be in the presence of God and to share in his glory.
Now that you have more information on the Kingdom of God, there is only one (1) question that matters: will you accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and live eternally in the kingdom?
No life choice you make is more crucial than this.
Header Image Courtesy of Jay Conrad @ Pixabay
Comments