Have you ever wondered if there’s more to the Christian life than just being saved? Is there a deeper level of spiritual experience and power that we’re missing out on? The concept of “entering the kingdom” challenges us to look beyond basic salvation and into a life of true discipleship and spiritual authority.
The kingdom of God is not just a future hope—it’s a present reality that we’re invited to participate in. But here’s the catch: while salvation is a free gift, entering the kingdom requires our active response and obedience.
Jesus spoke about this distinction when talking to Nicodemus. He said that one must be “born again” to see the kingdom of God, but to enter it, one must be “born of water and the Spirit” (John 3:3-5). This implies a progression—first, we receive spiritual perception through salvation, but then we must take further steps to fully enter and experience the kingdom.
So what does it mean to truly enter the kingdom? It’s about living under God’s rule and authority in every area of our lives. It means submitting to His will, pursuing righteousness, and developing intimacy with the King himself. In essence, it’s the difference between being part of the “called out ones” (the church) and becoming one of the “governed ones” (kingdom citizens).
This concept is beautifully illustrated in the story of Israel. Their exodus from Egypt represents salvation—being freed from bondage. But entering the Promised Land symbolises stepping into the fullness of God’s kingdom promises. Sadly, an entire generation missed out on this opportunity due to disobedience and compromise.
The path to kingdom living isn’t always easy. Jesus said the way is narrow, and few find it. It requires laying down our independence, our self-sufficiency, and our desire to do things our own way. It means being willing to suffer and pay a price for the sake of the kingdom.
But why should we pursue this? The rewards are immense:
1. Realising our true identity and purpose
2. Walking in spiritual authority and power
3. Experiencing the fullness of life in Christ
4. Being entrusted with kingdom assignments
5. Bearing lasting spiritual fruit
Imagine having the kind of spiritual authority where even nature responds to your words—like St. Francis of Assisi commanding a wolf to leave villagers alone, or an Alaskan saint stopping a wildfire with a gesture. While these examples may seem extreme, they highlight the reality that God desires to work through His people in powerful ways.
However, we must be careful. Jesus warned that not everyone who calls Him “Lord” will enter the kingdom. He spoke of people who prophesied, cast out demons, and performed miracles in His name, yet He will say to them, “I never knew you.” This sobering passage reminds us that outward spiritual activities are not enough—what matters is doing the will of the Father and cultivating a genuine relationship with Jesus.
So how do we practically pursue kingdom living?
1. Surrender your autonomy: Make a conscious decision to submit your will, desires, and decisions to God’s authority.
2. Seek intimacy with the King: Prioritise your relationship with Jesus above all else. Kingdom power flows from knowing Him, not just knowing about Him.
3. Embrace obedience: Be quick to respond to God’s promptings, even when it’s inconvenient or doesn’t make sense.
4. Pursue righteousness: Allow the Holy Spirit to permeate every area of your life, transforming you from the inside out.
5. Be willing to suffer: Understand that following Jesus may involve hardship, but it’s worth the cost.
6. Stay prepared: Like a UFC fighter ready for a last-minute bout, be spiritually prepared for divine assignments at any moment.
7. Cultivate kingdom fruit: Focus on producing the kind of spiritual fruit that reflects God’s character and advances His purposes.
Remember, entering the kingdom is a progressive journey. It’s like the parables Jesus told about the mustard seed and the yeast—the influence of God’s reign in your life should be constantly growing and expanding.
As we pursue kingdom living, we become part of something far greater than ourselves. We join in God’s mission to establish His rule “on earth as it is in heaven.” Daniel’s vision of a rock that grew to fill the whole earth reminds us that God’s kingdom will ultimately triumph over all earthly powers.
The invitation is open to all believers, but the decision to fully participate is ours. Will we be content with just being saved, or will we press in to experience the fullness of kingdom life? Will we be those who are not just called, but chosen and faithful?
Let us recommit ourselves afresh to seeking first the kingdom of God. Let’s surrender our lives fully to the King’s authority, ready to be used as His instruments of power and love in this world. As we do, we’ll discover that the Christian life is far more thrilling and impactful than we ever imagined.
The kingdom of God is not just a matter of talk, but of power. It’s not just about confession, but about obedience and a life fully lived for Christ. As we align ourselves with God’s kingdom purposes, we become part of a global movement that will continue until the King returns to rule and reign.
Are you ready to move beyond basic salvation and truly enter the kingdom? The narrow gate awaits, and beyond it lies a life of purpose, power, and intimacy with the King of kings. The choice is yours—will you step through?
