Entering the Kingdom of the Heavens by Doing the Father’s Will VS Entering the Kingdom of God by Regeneration
John 3:3 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
John 1:12 But to all who receive him, who believe in his name, he gives the right to become children of God.
Matthew 7:21 Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 6:10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
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Aspect |
Entering the Kingdom of the Heavens by Doing the Father’s Will |
Entering the Kingdom of God by Regeneration |
|
Theme |
Doing the will of the heavenly Father |
Being born again to enter God’s kingdom |
|
Meaning |
Entering the manifestation of the kingdom of the heavens (future reward and participation) |
Entering the kingdom of God as God’s rule and divine realm |
|
Reason |
After calling on the Lord for salvation, believers must still live in obedience to the Father’s will |
Man’s natural life cannot understand or enter God’s kingdom; divine life is required |
|
Condition for Entry |
Doing the will of the Father who is in the heavens |
Being born of water and the Spirit (regeneration) |
|
Nature |
Related to living, obedience, responsibility, and practice |
Related to life, birth, position, and realm |
|
Key Scriptures |
Matt. 7:21; Matt. 12:50; Rom. 12:2; Eph. 5:17; Col. 1:9 |
John 3:3, 5; John 1:12–13; Col. 1:13 |
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Key Distinction |
Emphasizes the living and practice of the divine life |
Emphasizes the birth and entrance by the divine life |
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Time Orientation |
Points to the future manifestation of the kingdom |
A present reality upon regeneration |
|
Illustration |
Running a race within the lane; running outside is lawlessness |
Birth determines the kingdom; no one can enter by naturalization |
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Explanation |
Works done in the Lord’s name without obedience to the Father’s will are considered lawless |
Once divine life is received, one spontaneously is in God’s kingdom |
|
Living Aspect |
Living according to God’s will in daily conduct |
Living according to the inner sense of divine life |
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The Lord’s Evaluation |
Whether the Lord approves and commends what is done |
Whether one has been transferred into the kingdom |
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Potential Danger |
Much work without obedience may lead to rejection from the kingdom reward |
Being saved but neglecting kingdom living |
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The Lord’s Rebuke |
“I never approved of you…you workers of lawlessness” |
Without regeneration, one cannot see or enter the kingdom |
|
Mutual Relationship |
Built upon regeneration; requires further living out of life |
The prerequisite and starting point for entering the kingdom of the heavens |
|
Order |
Regeneration → doing the Father’s will |
Regeneration is the only entrance |
|
Negative Example |
Prophesying, casting out demons, and miracles without obedience |
Nicodemus: religious yet not regenerated |
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Positive Example |
“Whoever does the will of My Father is My brother and sister” |
Whoever calls on the Lord is regenerated and transferred |
|
Practical Application (Living) |
Ask: Is this according to the Father’s will? |
Follow the inner knowing of life, not mere teaching |
|
Practical Application (Service) |
Results and power cannot replace obedience |
Service must issue from life, not doctrine alone |
|
Spiritual Burden |
Lead believers beyond salvation to kingdom living |
Lead people to genuine regeneration |
|
Prophesying Direction |
The kingdom is a matter of obedience, not performance |
The kingdom is a matter of life, not education |
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Solemn Warning |
Doing things in the Lord’s name ≠ doing God’s will |
Good behavior ≠ entering God’s kingdom |
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Conclusion |
Entry into the kingdom of the heavens is the result of mature, obedient living |
Entry into God’s kingdom is the fact of life birth |
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Ultimate Summary |
Kingdom reward belongs to those who do the Father’s will |
God’s kingdom belongs only to the regenerated |
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Expanded Scriptures |
Matt. 7:21–23; Matt. 12:50; Rom. 12:2; 1 Cor. 3:13; 2 Cor. 5:10 |
John 3:3–6; John 1:12–13; Col. 1:13; Rom. 10:13 |
Core Summary:
Regeneration brings us into the kingdom of God; doing the Father’s will brings us into the manifestation of the kingdom of the heavens.
Birth in life grants the position; living in life determines the reward.
*Please refer to the May 2025 International Elders and Responsible Brothers Training, General Topic: Matthew Chapters 5-7, The Most Important Aspects, Week 9: Implementing the Father's Will So that We May Enter the Father's Kingdom on "That Day," the Day of Christ's Judgment Seat.
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