Impenitent: Excluded from the Kingdom of Heaven
A solemn and sobering truth, a truth that echoes throughout the scriptures: the exclusion of the impenitent from the Kingdom of Heaven. We find ourselves confronted with the stark realities presented in Matthew, Mark, Luke, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, and Revelation.
We gather here not to instill fear, but to awaken a sense of urgency, a call to repentance, and a deep understanding of the holiness of God’s Kingdom. Let us explore the scriptures, and allow them to pierce our hearts.
1. The Righteousness Necessary to Enter the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 5:20):
"For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."
Jesus challenges us to move beyond mere external observance. Entering the Kingdom requires a transformed heart, a righteousness that surpasses outward rituals. The unrepentant, clinging to appearances, will find themselves excluded.
2. The Need for Conversion to Enter the Kingdom (Matthew 18:3):
"Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."
Humility and dependence on God are the keys to the Kingdom. The unrepentant, who resist transformation, shut themselves out from salvation.
3. The Time of Opportunity is Limited (Matthew 25:10):
"And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding: and the door was shut."
The return of Christ will be a decisive moment. Those unprepared will be excluded. Repentance must happen before the door closes.
4. Simple, True Faith is Essential (Mark 10:15):
"Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
Trust and dependence on God are fundamental for salvation. Pride and unbelief exclude the unrepentant from the Kingdom.
5. The Crying of Those Excluded from the Kingdom (Luke 13:28):
"There will be weeping there and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrown out."
Many who assume they belong will be shocked by their exclusion. Delayed repentance brings only regret and anguish.
6. Those Who Practice Unrighteousness Will Not Inherit the Kingdom (1 Corinthians 6:9):
"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?"
Unrepented sin separates us from God. Rejecting the Holy Spirit’s transformative work excludes us from the Kingdom.
7. Flesh and Blood Do Not Inherit the Kingdom (1 Corinthians 15:50):
"Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither does corruption inherit incorruption."
The Kingdom of Heaven is for those regenerated by the Holy Spirit. Our sinful nature must be transformed to enter.
8. Works of the Flesh Exclude from the Kingdom (Galatians 5:21):
"Those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."
A life dominated by sin bars entry into the Kingdom. Refusing to abandon the works of the flesh excludes us from God’s presence.
9. No Idolater, Immoral or Covetous Person Will Have a Place in the Kingdom (Ephesians 5:5):
"For this you know, that no sexually immoral person, or impure person, or covetous person (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God."
The love of sin closes the doors of the Kingdom to the unrepentant. Placing anything above God leads to exclusion.
10. The Final Exclusion of the Unclean and Liars (Revelation 21:27 & Revelation 22:15):
"And there shall in no wise enter into it anything that defiles, nor anything that works abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life." and "Outside are the dogs, and the sorcerers, and the sexually immoral, and the murderers, and the idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie."
The New Jerusalem is for the saints, redeemed by the blood of Christ. The unrepentant will be eternally separated from God’s presence.
- Preaching on Access to the Presence of God
- Preaching on Promises of Abundance to the Obedient
- Preaching on Faith in God - Trusting the Unseen
Conclusion
Let us heed these warnings. Let us examine our hearts, repent of our sins, and embrace the transformative power of God’s grace. Let us strive for the righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus Christ, so that we may inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. Amen.
