Many of us have grown up hearing about being “born again” and securing our place in heaven. But what if there’s more to God’s plan than just getting us through the pearly gates? What if the Kingdom of God is not just a future hope, but a present reality that we’re called to live in and advance right here, right now?
The truth is, God’s purpose for us goes far beyond a simple salvation experience. While being born again is crucial, it’s merely the entrance, not the end goal. Jesus didn’t come just to make converts; He came to establish a Kingdom. He came not just to save us from something (sin), but to bring us into something far greater – His rule and reign on earth.
This perspective shift changes everything. It means that the new birth is our starting point, not our finish line. We’re born again so that we can enter, live in, and advance the Kingdom of God. Salvation qualifies us, but Kingdom living requires ongoing submission, transformation, and maturity.
Consider these powerful words from Revelation:
“To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever!” (Revelation 1:5-6)
This passage reveals that Jesus didn’t just die to forgive our sins, but to make us part of His Kingdom – active participants in His divine plan. We’re either submitted to His Kingship or not, and the degree of our submission determines where we are in the Kingdom journey.
So what does it mean to truly live in God’s Kingdom? It’s far more than just enjoying forgiveness and living life on our own terms. The Kingdom of God is about His active reign in our hearts. It’s a life lived under His lordship, values, principles, and authority. It’s an internal reality that demands external obedience.
The writer of Hebrews uses a powerful analogy to illustrate this:
“Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live!” (Hebrews 12:9)
This verse introduces us to God as the “Father of spirits,” emphasising His absolute spiritual authority. He’s not just a moral instructor or distant Creator. He is the very source of our spiritual life, the One who formed our innermost being. To call Him “Father of spirits” means we owe Him not just outward obedience, but internal surrender. He has the right to govern who we are at the deepest level.
The comparison between earthly and heavenly discipline is striking. If we respected our imperfect earthly fathers who disciplined us, how much more should we willingly submit to our perfect heavenly Father who disciplines us for our eternal good?
This submission isn’t about oppression; it’s the key to truly living. Jesus once told a wise scribe, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God” (Mark 12:34). The man had intellectual understanding, but still lacked full surrender. We can be close to the truth and still far from transformation. The Kingdom is not accessed by intellect or admiration alone, but by surrender.
When we truly submit and enter the Kingdom, it transforms us:
1. Personal Transformation: We gain inner strength, are filled with righteousness, peace, and joy (Romans 14:17), and are strengthened in our inner being (Ephesians 3:16).
2. Missional Purpose: We become ambassadors of Heaven, thinking and acting with eternal intention. We live with Kingdom responsibility and spiritual authority.
3. Knowing God Deeply: As Daniel 11:32 declares, “The people who know their God shall be strong and do great exploits.”
But what happens if we refuse to fully submit to the Father of spirits? While we may still be saved, we risk living defeated, carnal, or barren lives. We may drift into spiritual hardness or deception, forfeit Kingdom power and authority, and miss out on our true purpose and potential.
Romans 8:5-8 paints a stark picture of this struggle:
“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.”
Living outside of full Kingdom submission means existing as spiritual orphans – always reacting, resisting, circling but never fully entering the promised life of abundance Jesus offers.
It’s crucial to understand that entering the Kingdom of God comes with a cost. Jesus was clear about this:
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple… In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.” (Luke 14:26-27, 33)
This doesn’t mean literally hating our families, but it does mean that our allegiance to Christ must surpass all other loyalties. Entering the Kingdom requires more than just belief; it demands allegiance and a willingness to deny ourselves, carry our cross, and walk the narrow path of obedience.
The challenge is that our flesh always feels good initially. Our own will often seems more appealing in the moment. Many desire the power and benefits of the Kingdom but are unwilling to pay the price of living surrendered, pursuing holiness, immersing themselves in God’s Word, and developing a rich prayer life.
This unwillingness to pay the price keeps many at the threshold – outside the full experience of Kingdom life. They may be saved, but they’re missing out on the transformative power, authority, influence, fruitfulness, and joy that come with full Kingdom living.
As we reflect on these truths, let’s ask ourselves: Where am I in my Kingdom journey? Am I fully submitted to the Father of spirits? Am I willing to pay the price to enter more deeply into Kingdom living? The invitation is clear – to submit and truly live, experiencing the abundant life Jesus promised. It’s not just about going to heaven someday; it’s about walking in divine fullness now.
May we have the courage to step fully into the Kingdom life, allowing God to reign in every area of our hearts and lives. For it is there that we’ll find the purpose, power, and abundant life we were created for.
