S3E21: Entering the Kingdom

Jesus constantly used the language of “entering” the kingdom. It’s possible to be outside, and then to get inside.

We enter through faith; the moment when someone places their confidence in Jesus is their entrance into the kingdom of God. 

At the same time, it’s just the *first* moment of a whole life of discipleship to Jesus that is beginning to unfold. Dallas Willard once said, “Discipleship is a natural part of confidence in Jesus as he really is.”

When Jesus frees us, our response is to follow him. As Charles Wesley wrote in the hymn “And Can It Be”:

My chains fell off, my heart was free;
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

Sources:
Matthew 13:44-46 (NIV)

Dallas Willard, “Spiritual Formation as a Natural Part of Salvation,” Conversatio Divina, The Martin Institute for Christianity and Culture, Westmont College, April 17, 2009.

Charles Wesley, “And Can It Be, That I Should Gain?” Sing Joyfully (Carol Stream, Illinois: Tabernacle Publishing, 1989), Hymnary.org.

Oliver Hunkin and Alan Parry (Illustrator), Dangerous Journey: The Story of Pilgrim’s Progress (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Eerdmans, 1985).

John Bunyan, The Pilgrim’s Progress from this World to That Which is to Come (Project Gutenberg, 1678, 1994).

Don Everts and Doug Schaupp, I Once Was Lost: What Postmodern Skeptics Taught Us About Their Path to Jesus (Downers Grove, Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 2008).

Friendship Evangelism: The 5 Thresholds toward Faith, InterVarsity Evangelism, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA.

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