Note: Alan who normally writes these blog articles is taking some time off. In his place, this week's article is written by David Phillips, preacher for the Crestwood church of Christ near Louisville, KY.
Introduction. While Jesus walked this earth, He emphasized the character He expected of those who would enter His kingdom. Though many today are content with external service, it is only a pretense unless we give him our whole heart. “Judah has not turned to Me with her whole heart, but in pretense” (Jer. 3:10). Jesus warned that He will tell many on the last day “I never knew you” (Mt. 7:21-23), because “unless you be converted you cannot enter the kingdom.” We can’t just change our conduct; we must change our heart and will.
Inward or External Righteousness. “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” (Mt. 5:20)
Although the Pharisees held strictly to their own traditions, Jesus only saw “whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness” (Mt. 23:27). To avoid this, we must look deep within ourselves and never settle only for an appearance of righteousness (Mt. 6:16, 18). Only a hunger and thirst for righteousness is enough. We must emphasize meekness, humility, and holiness. The obedience of those who live by faith begins in the heart (Mt. 7:21; Rom. 6:17)
Introduction. While Jesus walked this earth, He emphasized the character He expected of those who would enter His kingdom. Though many today are content with external service, it is only a pretense unless we give him our whole heart. “Judah has not turned to Me with her whole heart, but in pretense” (Jer. 3:10). Jesus warned that He will tell many on the last day “I never knew you” (Mt. 7:21-23), because “unless you be converted you cannot enter the kingdom.” We can’t just change our conduct; we must change our heart and will.
Inward or External Righteousness. “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” (Mt. 5:20)
Although the Pharisees held strictly to their own traditions, Jesus only saw “whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness” (Mt. 23:27). To avoid this, we must look deep within ourselves and never settle only for an appearance of righteousness (Mt. 6:16, 18). Only a hunger and thirst for righteousness is enough. We must emphasize meekness, humility, and holiness. The obedience of those who live by faith begins in the heart (Mt. 7:21; Rom. 6:17)
Converted... as Little Children. When the apostles voiced their interest in becoming great in His kingdom, they were initially only concerned with prestige and position. Jesus did not condemn their desire to be great. But He was deeply concerned with what they sought in order to become great.
Unless you Repent... Jesus responded with these words when He saw their concern with death focused too much on the external. They wrongly concluded that a terrible death at the hands of Pilate's meant these men had done something very wrong. Jesus wanted them to expand their view. Every death is a call to repentance. The type of death should not be the issue. Jesus wants every death to create a strong urge for repentance for: “unless you repent you will all likewise perish." (Lk. 13:3).
Their attitude is common. Most people tend to look at themselves as basically good. They see a few flaws, but not enough to bring a terrible fate. Yet God brought all men to the same level when He said: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23) Only those who cease comparing themselves to others and begin comparing themselves to God's standards can avoid perishing. We must be willing to look at ourselves honestly, without holding back. We must be open with ourselves and see our own faults and flaws. Only when we see the reality of our sin can we be in a position to truly repent (2 Cor. 7:10).
Unless One is Born Again. Perhaps the most vivid image of the kind of transformation Jesus demanded is to be born again. “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (Jn. 3:3). The process of being born again begins when one first hears and believes God’s word (Jn. 8:24). These new convictions quickly lead to repentance and a desire to confess Jesus as Lord (Lk. 13:3; Mt. 10:32-33; Rom. 10:9-10). Jesus revealed the final step just before His ascension. “He that believes and is baptized.” After doing “all” these things, we are “begotten again,” and raised to "walk in newness of life" (Rom. 6:1-4).
Conclusion. Jesus demanded we change before we enter the kingdom of heaven. We must change course, adopt new values and new way of thinking. Once we enter, we are “a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2Cor. 5:17-18). Thus true servants of Jesus have an inward hunger and thirst for righteousness. As a humble little child we seek to serve others and not to be served. With death imminent, we repent each day of all sin. After our new birth, old things and ways pass away and everything changes as we learn the truth and the truth makes us free.
- “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt. 18:3-5)
Unless you Repent... Jesus responded with these words when He saw their concern with death focused too much on the external. They wrongly concluded that a terrible death at the hands of Pilate's meant these men had done something very wrong. Jesus wanted them to expand their view. Every death is a call to repentance. The type of death should not be the issue. Jesus wants every death to create a strong urge for repentance for: “unless you repent you will all likewise perish." (Lk. 13:3).
Their attitude is common. Most people tend to look at themselves as basically good. They see a few flaws, but not enough to bring a terrible fate. Yet God brought all men to the same level when He said: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23) Only those who cease comparing themselves to others and begin comparing themselves to God's standards can avoid perishing. We must be willing to look at ourselves honestly, without holding back. We must be open with ourselves and see our own faults and flaws. Only when we see the reality of our sin can we be in a position to truly repent (2 Cor. 7:10).
Unless One is Born Again. Perhaps the most vivid image of the kind of transformation Jesus demanded is to be born again. “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (Jn. 3:3). The process of being born again begins when one first hears and believes God’s word (Jn. 8:24). These new convictions quickly lead to repentance and a desire to confess Jesus as Lord (Lk. 13:3; Mt. 10:32-33; Rom. 10:9-10). Jesus revealed the final step just before His ascension. “He that believes and is baptized.” After doing “all” these things, we are “begotten again,” and raised to "walk in newness of life" (Rom. 6:1-4).
Conclusion. Jesus demanded we change before we enter the kingdom of heaven. We must change course, adopt new values and new way of thinking. Once we enter, we are “a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2Cor. 5:17-18). Thus true servants of Jesus have an inward hunger and thirst for righteousness. As a humble little child we seek to serve others and not to be served. With death imminent, we repent each day of all sin. After our new birth, old things and ways pass away and everything changes as we learn the truth and the truth makes us free.