Citizenship in the kingdom of God is by birth and naturalization (or adoption), the latter incorporating into it a new birth experience. Jesus said “I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that unless a person is born again (anew, from above) he cannot ever see – know be acquainted with [and experience] – the kingdom of God” John 3:5 Amplified Bible. This new birth, administered by the Holy Spirit, is made available only through the blood of atonement given by Jesus for our redemption. In John 6:51 He said, “…the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.” Giving His flesh necessitated giving His blood that was “shed for many for the remission of sins” Matthew 26:28. In John 6:56 He said, “He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life…” This is partaking of His life by faith, and entering into the spiritual kingdom of God with the promise of the eternal kingdom yet to come. Romans 14:17 tells us both what the kingdom of God is and what it is not, “for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” This righteousness is none other than clothing ourselves with the righteousness of Jesus through faith. 1 Corinthians 1:30 says that Christ Jesus became righteousness for us; He did not become righteousness, for He is righteousness, but He became righteousness for us! 2 Corinthians 5:21 tells us that God “made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” The Amplified Bible points out on Romans 14:17,18 that this righteousness “…is that state which makes a person acceptable to God…”
Righteousness
By Rose Hill
When we repent and let God change our mind,
Being sorry for sins and His righteousness find; (1)
We will have pleasures at His right hand,
For the kingdom of God has come to man. (2)
Seek the kingdom of God this very hour,
And all His blessings on you He will shower. (3)
Obey all of God’s commands so true,
Then overcoming power He will give to you. (4)
Now saying Lord, Lord, will not open the door,
To enter God’s kingdom you must do more. (5)
You must seek first to walk in His way,
And do what is right in His eyes everyday. (6)
In God’s kingdom there are secrets and mysteries,
Even spiritual knowledge the saved one sees. (7)
Scripture references indicated above:
(1) Matthew 3:2 Amplified Bible, “And saying Repent (think differently; change your mind, regretting your sins and changing your conduct) for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
(2) Psalm 16:11 “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore…”
(3) Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
(4) Isaiah 1:19 “If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land.”
(5) Matthew 7:21 Amplified Bible “Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven.”
(6) Galatians 5:16 “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”
(7) Matthew 13:11A Amplified Bible “And He replied to them, To you it has been given to know the secrets and mysteries of the kingdom of heaven”.
Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are form the New King James Version copyright by Thomas Nelson Co. Used by permission