Seek First the Kingdom of God (Part III Continued from Oct. 28, 2020 edition)
We need a change in thinking that will then lead to turning away from sin and keeping God’s commandments. As Jesus said, If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments (Matthew 19:17).
Baptism is necessary to enter the Kingdom of God
When we repent of our sins and begin keeping God’s commandments, the next step is baptism.
Speaking to people who had been convicted of their sins and who wanted to know what they should do, Peter said, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).
Baptism—is a symbol of the washing away of our sins and the end of our sinful lifestyle—is a covenant we make with God and Christ. It represents our understanding that we have broken God’s law and need to be forgiven of our sins. It also signifies our commitment to obey God’s law.
We are now convicted of our need to live by every word that comes from God and Christ. As Jesus noted, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).
As children of God, we are then to grow in “the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). John referred to this as an ongoing purification process (1 John 3:3).
What we gain by seeking the Kingdom of God
The Kingdom of God is currently centered in heaven, so the Bible also calls it the Kingdom of Heaven. It is a real government that God says He is going to establish on this earth—but it’s not here yet.
Jesus explained that none of us can be sure about when He will return to establish His Father’s Kingdom: “Of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only” (Matthew 24:36).
The good news is that seeking first the Kingdom of God means more than just waiting on Christ’s return. When the coming Kingdom becomes our focus—when we make the decision to live by every word of God—that changes who we are.
Pray with me, “Lord, forgive us of our sins, welcome us into Your Kingdom. Thank you for forgiving us, in Jesus Name.”
