I want to talk to you about Jesus’s encouragement in the Sermon on the Mount, urging us to enter the kingdom of heaven. As we review Jesus’ invitations, let’s first understand what the kingdom of heaven truly means.

In Matthew 4:17, Jesus announces that the kingdom of God is at hand. While He was still on earth, He explained that this kingdom was near but not yet fully realized. In Mark 1:14-15, Jesus preaches the gospel of the kingdom, urging people to repent and believe. The kingdom of heaven, or the kingdom of God, refers to God’s kingship and rule from heaven. It is a spiritual kingdom, as Jesus explains in Luke 17:20-21, where He states, “The kingdom of God is within you.” It focuses on the person of Jesus Christ and is demonstrated where He rules in the hearts of men.

In John 18:36, Jesus clarifies that His kingdom is not of this world, emphasizing its spiritual nature. In Romans 14:17, Paul reminds us that the kingdom of God is about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Today, the kingdom includes the Lord’s Church on earth. Those who submit to Christ’s will are added to this kingdom, as Paul writes in Colossians 1:13-14, where Jesus delivers us from the power of darkness and conveys us into His kingdom.

As we look towards the future, Revelation 21-22 speaks of a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells. Jesus teaches that at the end of the age, His angels will gather out of His kingdom all that offend and practice lawlessness, casting them into the fire. But the righteous will shine forth in the kingdom of their Father (Matthew 13:40-43).

In 2 Peter 3:10-13, Peter describes the day of the Lord, when the heavens will pass away, and the elements will melt with fervent heat. Knowing this, Peter urges us to live in holy conduct and godliness, looking forward to new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells.

Jesus, in Matthew 7:13-14, encourages us to enter by the narrow gate, which leads to life. This gate requires self-denial, obedience to Christ, and a heart free from the desire for earthly treasures. In contrast, the wide gate leads to destruction and is chosen by many because it requires no sacrifice. The way to the kingdom is difficult, requiring a righteousness that exceeds that of many religious leaders and a change in our behavior, as taught in the Sermon on the Mount.

Beware of false prophets, Jesus warns, as they can lead us astray from the narrow way. We can identify them by their fruits—their lives and teachings. Those who do the Father’s will, and not merely hearers or performers of mighty works, will enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 7:21-23).

Jesus concludes His sermon by emphasizing the importance of being doers of the Word. Only by acting upon Jesus’ teachings can we stand firm through life’s storms and hope to hear the words, “Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34).

Jesus spoke with authority, revealing the character and blessedness of those in the kingdom of heaven. He taught us to seek God’s kingdom first, to treat others with love, and to live up to the high standards He set. While challenging, Jesus assures us that His blood provides forgiveness when we fall short, and the Holy Spirit helps us to put off the old man and put on the new.

So, how about you? Are you in the kingdom of God? To become a child of God, one must hear the gospel, believe, repent, confess Jesus as the Son of God, and be baptized. Baptism symbolizes our burial and resurrection with Christ, making us new creatures in Him. Afterward, living faithfully, though challenging, is supported by Jesus’ ongoing forgiveness.

Consider your life in light of Jesus’ teachings from the Sermon on the Mount.