When someone establishes a kingdom, they have the privilege of also establishing the rules. There are entry rules that determine who can be a citizen of the kingdom, and there are rules deemed necessary for the smooth functioning of the kingdom. For numerous reasons, God's rules often are treated with disregard because we don't believe he exists and is alive and/or we don't believe he inspired the Bible's writers. Our disbelief cannot change the facts. Moreover, the rules benefit us and ensure our enjoyment of a kingdom that is free of sin, greed, and selfish ambition.
There are two requirements for gaining entry into God's kingdom, and two requirements for remaining in the kingdom. To gain entry, one must (1) make a decision to repent or turn away from everything God considers sin, and (2) be baptized by full immersion in water in order to connect with Jesus' cleansing sacrifice on the cross, receive God's forgiveness for all sins, and become an appropriate vessel for God's indwelling Holy Spirit. To remain a citizen of God's kingdom, one must (1) love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength, and (2) love your neighbor as yourself. Determining whether you are qualified to enter and remain in God's kingdom is simple if you ask yourself four basic questions and give honest answers. 1. Have I made a firm decision to stop doing, thinking or speaking anything God deems to be sin, and do I immediately repent and ask God's forgiveness if I commit any sin? (1 John 1:1-10; 1 John 3:1-10). 2. Have I been baptized by full immersion in water to cleanse me of the stain of sin so that I can be a pure vessel for God's indwelling Holy Spirit? (Acts 2:38-41). 3. Do I love the Lord my God with all my heart, mind, soul and strength, and is my love for God evidenced by my obedience? (1 John 2:3-29). 4. Do I love others as myself, and do I treat others as I would want to be treated (Matthew 22:36-40). I encourage you to take action before it's too late. Don't allow yourself to be disqualified for the prize of being part of our God's eternal kingdom (1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Philippians 3).
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