The Kingdom of Heaven

The kingdom of heaven is not a place for man’s glory. It is a spiritual kingdom open to anyone who acknowledges the kingship of Jesus Christ and obeys His commands. I thank God often that Jesus came to deliver us from the kingdom of this world, which is controlled by the dark forces of this evil age, and made it possible for us to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus Christ was completely certain about the kingdom of heaven. He declared, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” (Matthew 3:2) “For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:20) “Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:19) “I tell you the truth; no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” (John 3:3) Jesus’ message was uncompromising.

How little we hear of the kingdom of heaven today. The kingdom of man is uppermost in the thoughts of men today. The contemporary church is made weak and ineffectual by adopting the trends of the powers of this age. Jesus warned, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21)

The world is a seductive mistress. She promises pleasure and happiness while robbing you of everything that is truly important. Conformity to the kingdom of man will lead you into a stupefying darkness of destruction. However, the kingdom of heaven endures forever because it is established by God. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10) The kingdom of heaven exists because God reigns. “Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.’” (Revelation 11:15)

To which kingdom will you submit? To which will you give service, the kingdom of heaven or the kingdom of man? O men of this world – heed these words of Joshua and burn them on your heart, “… As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua, 24:15)