Eternity versus the Kingdom

Eternal life in heaven was not the disciple’s only goal. Nor was it Jesus’ only goal for his disciples. They both looked forward to the “Kingdom of God.” The requirement for eternal life is to believe in Jesus (Joh 3:16), but to enter the kingdom we must “work hard.” (Luk 13:24) Sometimes we mistake the Kingdom for life eternal, but it is a physical government that Jesus will set up on this earth. He will rule the nations with a rod of iron for a thousand years. The faithful will reign with him (Ps 2:9, Rev 20:4). The kingdom is not open is anyone who claims Jesus as savior. Jesus said that many will attempt to enter but they will fail (Luk 13:24, Mat 7:21-23). In the kingdom we will see the great reversal. The last will be first. The servant will rule. The poor will be rich. The humble will be exalted. Those who gave up their life on earth for God and his people (seeking the kingdom) will find their lives in the kingdom of God. (Mat 20:16, Mar 9:35, Luk 13:30, Mat 16:25, Luk 16:25, Mat 19:27-30).