The kingdom of God is known by a few designations in the scriptures. It is known as the church (Matt. 16.18-19). It is also called the body (Col. 1.18). It is called the kingdom of heaven before the book of Acts but interestingly not after (Matt. 13.11-52). Luke called it “the Way” when Saul was persecuting her (Acts 9.1-2). Paul recorded the kingdom to be of Christ (Eph. 5.5). When considering the kingdom, we have to keep in mind what that is. A kingdom is that territory where a king rules with authority, power and dominion. This kingdom, which is from God, is governed by the Son through the Father’s reign in the hearts or minds of the subjects (Luke 17.20-21). In other words, this kingdom is not to be confused with worldly ones, but rather it is a spiritual kingdom. Jesus would call it, “My Father’s kingdom” (Matt. 26.29).

What does it mean to enter? The word “enter” means to come in or come into existence. This idea is used literally and figuratively in grammar. It suggests that one moves in location. For example, before one can enter inside they must initially be outside. To enter the kingdom means to become a member of said territory. Notice some biblical examples of the idea of entering: Jesus spoke of Noah entering the ark, suggesting he was outside the ark at one time (Matt. 24.38). Jesus entered and passed through Jericho, suggesting He was outside before and ended outside after passing through (Luke 19.1). If one is commanded to enter the kingdom then one has to realize and admit they are outside the kingdom to be saved.

To enter the kingdom of God a few things must be considered and taken into account. It requires the proper and precise righteousness (Heb. 1.8). Jesus taught those on the mount this requirement: “For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5.20). Their righteousness was The Law of Moses. In addition, Jesus, when talking to Nicodemas, instructed him about entering the kingdom in John 3.3-5. Jesus informed him about seeing the kingdom of God and told him he had to be born again. He gave further clarification saying these words: “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). Also, to enter the kingdom of God one must have a child-like humility or else they will not enter the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 18.1-3).

Coming out of the world into the church or the kingdom can be seen in this great passage in the book of Revelation: “’The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord [i.e. The Father MB] and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!’” (Rev. 11.15). In other words, the gospel message will win over those in Satan’s grasp and position them to be in the kingdom. Therefore, entering the kingdom or the church of Christ requires the convert to trust in God and His Son. Jesus made it abundantly clear that those who trust in their riches rather than God will not enter the kingdom of Heaven (Matt. 19.23-24). Even tax collectors and harlots were humble enough to hear John’s teachings concerning the coming kingdom and said to enter in before the religious teachers of that day (Matt. 21.28-32). In laymen’s terms, those outside of the body of Christ may enter the Lord’s church before those who grow up in/near the church if humility is practiced and maintained.

Upon His resurrection, Jesus was given dominion, glory and a kingdom according to Daniel’s writings (Dan. 7.13-14). God made Him who came with the clouds Lord and Christ and crowned Him King over the church (Ps. 2.6-8). If one is to enter the kingdom/church of Christ today, they must obey Jesus’ command given to His disciples before leaving earth to go back to the Father (Mark 16.15-16). On the Day of Pentecost, the ones gladly receiving the word were baptized and added to the church (Acts 2.40-47). All through the book of Acts, the conversions were the same as in Acts chapter two. Philip gives us a great example of this when he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 8.12). It would do all well to take to the lessons given to us and simply obey.

Even in the epistles, we see Paul in the Corinthian letter demonstrating how to enter the kingdom. He reminded them of their baptism into the body/kingdom by the Spirit’s teaching (1 Cor. 12.13). Furthermore, those who have been delivered from the power of darkness have been conveyed into the kingdom of the Son of His love (Col. 1.13). Those who have entered the kingdom of God through the gospel message obeyed must keep in mind the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14.17). Being a member of the kingdom requires righteousness to be maintained less one loses the right to enter eternity with God when the kingdom is delivered to Him when Jesus comes for it (1 Cor. 15.24). May God bless us to enter the kingdom and remain till Jesus comes for it. God is TRUE!