How do we enter the Kingdom of God/Heaven?
Matthew 18:18 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever receives one little child like this in My name
receives Me.
The Kingdom of Heaven is not a place where the members consider their own greatness. There is no scorekeeping. There are no “great ones” (Mark 10:42). In the kingdom of Satan, the dominion of darkness, the world, people fight and claw to climb the ladders of status and importance. That is a way of self-justification that has no merit in Jesus’ economy.
Jesus consistently pointed to children for an example of how to be citizens of his Kingdom. Childlike faith is a virtue. Childlike trust in the Father is a virtue, but this is so counter-cultural and contrary to the nature of the unbeliever.
It is not only good but vital to trust in God the way a child would trust his good earthly parents. Not just children but more so little children must trust their parents for wisdom, provision, protection, order, and direction.
John 3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”
3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Or should our question be how does the Kingdom of God/Heaven enter us?
The Kingdom of God/Heaven comes when we are regenerated or born-again. Everything is renewed at the point of the new birth. Nicodemus does not have the apparatus to see the Kingdom of God/Heaven as he only has
the old man of the flesh. Even if he keeps all the Torah laws it still does not enable him to be born again and therefore cannot see the Kingdom of God to be in him.
The new birth needs the miraculous power of God.
What happens at the New Birth?
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
This verse signifies that when a person accepts Christ, they undergo a radical transformation, becoming a new creation. Forgiveness of Past Sins: It indicates that past sins are forgiven, and the old life is considered dead. Regeneration: This transformation is a result of regeneration by the Holy Spirit, making the individual a new entity. Christian Perspective: Paul emphasizes that believers should view themselves and others in Christ as fundamentally changed beings. Practical Application: In daily life, this means embracing the new identity and living in accordance with the values of this new creation.
The new creation encapsulates the essence of Christian transformation and the profound change that occurs through faith in Christ. The human spirit becomes alive again at the new birth.
Nicodemus at this point was not a new creation and therefore could not see the Kingdom of God/Heaven. I think Nicodemus however did understand the implication of what Jesus was saying, a brand-new life, a fresh start.
I am confident that Nicodemus did get born again later in the Gospels based on these scriptures: John 19:38 after Jesus’ death he supplied 100 pounds of myrrh and aloes.
Also in John 17:50-51 Nicodemus defends Jesus by speaking up for him and reminding the Sanhedrin that the Law of Moses demands a fair trial for everyone.
My take on this question is that I agree with the 65% of Christians who think that Nicodemus did get saved. What about you?
Now that we have been born-again, we can begin to see the Kingdom of God/Heaven in action in our lives and those of our fellow believers.
Amen
Personal Prayer
In Part 3 we discover that the Holy Spirit is the agent of the new birth.
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