ARE YOU INCLUDED IN GOD'S KINGDOM?

Jesus said these words in Matthew 7:13-14, "You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow, and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it." God's Kingdom in the above verses refers to the spiritual kingdom that includes all those who put their faith in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. In other words, God's Kingdom is a place for only those who are spiritually saved and have eternal life through our Lord Jesus. Jesus is saying that not all people can enter God's Kingdom. He said that only a few could find the Kingdom of God because the road that leads to it is narrow and difficult. However, the road that leads away from God's kingdom is wide and more appealing. The key to entering God's kingdom is through faith in the Lord Jesus, demonstrated by a true surrender of life to God. Many people do not want to enter God's Kingdom because they reject in believing in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. One of the reasons they do not want to believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior is that they do not want to submit their lives to Him.

According to the Government census, there are 8.3 billion people in the world today. Out of 8.3 billion, only those who believe in Jesus and surrender their lives to Him can enter the Kingdom of God. If we read today's devotion and believe in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, proving our faith by surrendering our lives to Him, we are included in God's Kingdom. And once we enter God's Kingdom, we are secure in Him. Being in God's Kingdom is not easy because Satan is always there to try to destroy our relationship with God by tempting us to sin. However, there is nothing that he can do to separate us from God's Kingdom, even when we fall into sin. God's forgiveness and restoration are always available to us. However, those who do not belong to God's Kingdom do not have forgiveness and hope. They will perish forever in eternal hell (Revelation 20:11-15). 

There are only two gates that God gives to 8.3 billion people living in this world today: the narrow gate that leads to His Kingdom or the wide gate that leads to hell. The decision should only be made while living in this world. Once a person dies, it will be determined if the person enters God's kingdom. 

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) What are the two gates that Jesus described in today's devotion? Who can enter God's Kingdom? Give several potential reasons why people do not enter God's Kingdom. Why is it important for me to share my faith with others?

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them up to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, thank you that I am included in your Kingdom. Thank you for opening my eyes to your truth and opening my heart to believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I pray for those whom I love and know who might not be included in your Kingdom yet, that they will believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior and surrender their lives to you. I pray for those who are undecided about believing in Jesus because of the comforts and material things of this world. I pray they understand the seriousness of not being included in God's Kingdom. In your name, Jesus, I pray, Amen.