Who will enter the kingdom of Heaven
Who Shall Enter the Kingdom?
The coming Kingdom of God is not presented in Scripture as a place where everyone automatically enters regardless of faith, conduct, or obedience. The prophets consistently teach that entrance into the Kingdom belongs to those whom the Most High approves. It is a kingdom of righteousness, and only those who submit to His authority will inherit its blessings.
The Calling of Israel
The promises of the Kingdom were first given to Israel. From Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob came the covenants, the promises, the law, and the inheritance. The prophets foretold a future restoration in which the scattered tribes of Israel would be gathered from among the nations and brought back under the covenant of the Most High.
Yet not every Israelite will enter.
Just as the generation that left Egypt was tested in the wilderness, so shall Israel once again pass through a period of purification. The prophet Ezekiel records the words of the Lord:
"And I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you face to face... like as I pleaded with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt." (Ezekiel 20:35-36)
This future wilderness experience serves as a time of judgment and separation.
The Rebels Shall Be Purged Out
The Most High declares that the rebels and transgressors will not inherit the restoration.
"And I will purge out from among you the rebels, and them that transgress against me..." (Ezekiel 20:38)
Just as many Israelites perished in the wilderness during the days of Moses because of unbelief and disobedience, the future gathering of Israel will also involve a separation between the faithful and the rebellious.
The Kingdom is not inherited merely by claiming Israelite ancestry. It is inherited by those who walk in righteousness, keep the commandments of God, and remain faithful to Ha Mashiac Yahawashi.
The rebellious, the hypocritical, and those who refuse correction will be removed before the nation enters into its promised inheritance.
Faith in Ha Mashiac Yahawashi
The prophets point toward a righteous King through whom the promises are fulfilled. Entrance into the Kingdom requires faith in Ha Mashiac Yahawashi and obedience to the will of the Father.
Faith is not merely belief with the lips. Genuine faith produces repentance, righteousness, obedience, and perseverance.
Those who profess faith but continue in rebellion against the commandments reveal that their hearts remain far from God.
The Kingdom belongs to those who both believe and obey.
The Nations Who Walk in the Light
Although the Kingdom is centered upon the restoration of Israel, the prophets also speak of nations that will join themselves to righteousness.
Isaiah prophesied that nations would come to the light of Israel and walk in the brightness of her rising. The Kingdom will therefore include people from many nations who willingly submit themselves to the rule of the Messiah and learn the ways of the Most High.
These nations do not replace Israel, nor do they inherit Israel's promises as tribes. Rather, they receive blessings by walking in righteousness and acknowledging the authority established by God.
The gates of the Kingdom are open to those who forsake wickedness and seek truth.
The Sanctuary Shall Be Holy
The restored Kingdom will maintain holiness and order. The prophet Ezekiel declares that the uncircumcised and the unclean shall not enter into the holy sanctuary.
God's dwelling place will not be defiled by those who persist in impurity and rebellion. Holiness will once again characterize worship, government, and daily life.
The corruption that fills the present world will have no place within the sacred presence of the Most High.
Those Excluded From the Holy City
The book of Revelation describes categories of people who will not inherit the blessings of the holy city.
Outside are the dogs, sorcerers, whoremongers, murderers, idolaters, and all who love and practice lies.
Likewise, the fearful and cowardly, those who knowingly reject righteousness and refuse to stand for truth, are counted among those who face judgment rather than inheritance.
The Kingdom is a place of righteousness. Therefore, those who cling to wickedness cannot dwell within it.
A Kingdom of the Righteous
The coming Kingdom will not be built upon wealth, power, status, or earthly privilege. It will be established upon obedience, faith, and righteousness.
Israel will be gathered and purified. The rebels will be removed. The faithful will inherit the promises. The nations that choose to walk in the light of God's law will receive blessing and instruction.
The holy city will be a place of purity. The sanctuary will remain undefiled. Justice will be administered without corruption, and truth will govern every aspect of life.
Those who enter the Kingdom will be those who have submitted themselves to the authority of the Most High, embraced faith in Ha Mashiac Yahawashi, and chosen the path of righteousness. To them belongs the inheritance promised from the foundation of the world.
