07/12/2016 - DIFFICULTIES TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD

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And the disciples were astonished at his words.  But Jesus answereth again and saith unto them: Children how hard it is for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!  Mark 10:24

Although the Kingdom of God is granted to all persons, there are some groups who will not enter into it, unless they mend their ways.  Among them, as Jesus warned, we find those who trust in riches; financial, intellectual or other abilities. The Almighty will not divide His house with any idol or lord.

 Many people, no matter how religious or assured they are of their salvations, on the last Day, they will be denied entry.  So even before Judgment, those who have not complied with the biblical demands will not be able to access the rights that the citizens of Heaven are endowed with.  It is worthwhile to remember that the Kingdom of God is neither food nor drink.

A list of  those who will not enter into this marvelous place can be found in the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians, Chapter 6, verse 10: licentious, idolatrous, adulterers, effeminate, sodomite, thieves, misers, drunks, slanderers, robbers.  Some of the saved from Corinth were among them, but since they were washed in the blood of the Lamb, they were received.

 Paul taught that we must go through many trials and many tribulations to enter into the Kingdom of God (Acts 14:22). For this reason, they are not qualified to be among the redeemed of the Lord, those who compromise, or pretend to be like politicians to avoid prejudice or lose opportunities for acting like servants of the Lord, and flee from persecutions which often times comes to those who love the Word.

The Scriptures declare that those who surrender to the works of the flesh –prostitution, unchaste, wantonness, idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, contentions, envy, rage, quarrels, disunion, heresy, envies, homicides, drunkenness, gluttony and the like, will not enter the Kingdom of the Father (Galatians 5: 19-21), which can never be tainted by those who love the world.

 The apostle commended the patience and the faith of the Thessalonians, which was a clear proof of the just judgment of the Almighty. This led them to be counted worthy of Him, as they suffered all persecutions and afflictions (2Thessalonians 1:3-5)In the days of the apostle Paul there was a worker who loved the secular things and abandoned the faith (2Timothy 4:10) After more than two thousand years can Demas say that his thoughtless decision was worthwhile?

 Verify if there is anything that will prevent you from being a part of the divine family; if you do, seek forgiveness and deliverance.  If you do not mend your ways you will not be allowed to enjoy the eternal happiness, and then, far from resting in the Lord, what will be of you?

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares