Chapter 13.11
Qualifications
For Heaven
Seven
qualifications for entrance into Heaven
Kingdom Qualifications according to Jesus
Jesus said we must come to Him believing
and trusting, without reservation; just as a child would run to his
daddy and jump into his arms.[1]
The
Sermon on the Mount; “The Beatitudes” do not show a man how to be
saved, but show the characteristics of one who is saved. At first glance it seems like this is a description of
promises
of blessings for the saved, but in all actuality is a description of one who IS saved.
1)
Poor
in spirit –
Realization that we are spiritually bankrupt and can offer God nothing.
2)
Those
who mourn –
Anguishing over sin; over perishing souls; wanting right to prevail.
3)
Meek – Accepting opposition, insults and provocation. Bearing patiently, mild and calm.
4)
Hunger
for righteousness – All sin and wrongdoing to anyone grieves them.
5)
Merciful
–
Being kind, showing pity, mercy and compassion, even when it’s not convenient.
6)
Pure
in Heart –
No hidden motives or self-interest; a pure heart with singleness of purpose.
7)
Peacemaker
–
Bringing men into harmony with each other; calming the waters.
Love; you must love
Christ more than your own family or you are not worthy of Him.[2]
Give of what you
have to those who can’t pay you back;
Give justice, mercy,
compassion and faithfulness.[3]
Someone who is rich
puts his trust in what he has; someone
who is poor puts his trust in what he hasn’t. It’s very hard for someone rich to seek the Kingdom of
Heaven; they do not see themselves as having any needs; they are self-sufficient;
they don’t need God. (Jesus said this, not me.)
Since Jesus set the Bar very high; who then can qualify to enter the Kingdom of God?
By man’s efforts, no one can qualify to
enter; only by the grace of God is it made possible.[4]
Matthew 5:3-12 –
It’s your attitude toward God
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs
is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those
who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the
meek, for they will inherit the
earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they
will be filled.
7 Blessed are the
merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the
pure in heart, for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the
peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is
the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you,
persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your
reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were
before you.
NIV
Matthew 19:16-26
- The Rich entering the Kingdom of Heaven
16 Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked,
“TEACHER, WHAT GOOD THING MUST I DO
TO GET ETERNAL LIFE?”
17 “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus
replied. “There is only One who is good.
If you want to enter life, keep the
commandments.”
18 “Which ones?” he inquired. Jesus replied,
“‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you
shall not give false testimony,
19 honor your father and mother,’ and
‘love your neighbor as yourself.’
20 “All these I have kept,” the young man
said. “What do I still lack?”
21 Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect,
go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in
heaven. Then come, follow me.”
22 When the young man heard this, he went away
sad, because he had great wealth.
23 Then Jesus said to his disciples,
“TRULY I TELL YOU,
IT IS HARD FOR SOMEONE WHO IS RICH
TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.
24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to
go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the
kingdom of God.”
25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly
astonished and asked,
“WHO THEN CAN BE SAVED?”
26 Jesus looked at them and said,
“WITH MAN THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE,
BUT WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE.”
NIV
[1] Matthew 18:2-5 – Believe and trust as a child
with his daddy.
[2] Matthew 10:37-39 – Love
Christ more than your own family;“ ANYONE WHO LOVES THEIR FATHER
OR MOTHER MORE THAN ME IS NOT WORTHY OF ME; ANYONE WHO LOVES THEIR SON OR DAUGHTER MORE THAN ME IS NOT WORTHY OF ME
[3] Matthew 23:23 - You have neglected the more
important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness.
[4] Matthew 19:25-26 – Who
then can be saved? "WITH MAN THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE, BUT WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE
POSSIBLE."
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