Entering the Kingdom of God as a Child

Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” [1]

“The emphasis is on the fact that children will receive and don’t feel they have to earn everything they get. Children are in a place where often all they can do is receive. They don’t refuse gifts out of self-sufficient pride. So we must receive the kingdom of God as a little child – because we surely will by no means enter it by what we do or earn. We must come to God with a faith that trusts God just like a little child trusts his father – and leave all the problems up to daddy.” [2]

Jesus told a highly educated theologian named Nicodemus, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” [3]

“Jesus’ reply to Nicodemus shattered the Jewish assumption that their racial identity – their old birth – assured them a place in God’s Kingdom. Jesus made it plain that a man’s first birth does not assure him of the kingdom; only being born again gives this assurance.

Being born again isn’t simply a moral or religious reform, but the bringing of new life. To belong to the heavenly kingdom, one must be born into it. This isn’t something that we can do to ourselves.” [4]

“Jesus answered, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.’” [5]

“Jesus was emphatic in saying that man does not need reformation, but a radical conversion by the Spirit of God. We must be born of water and the Spirit.

No man in the world can make himself to be born of God; though he should struggle never so much, he could never accomplish what is beyond his power. (Spurgeon)

Without the new birth of the Spirit, the flesh taints all works of righteousness. Yet, everything that a Spirit-led man does can be pleasing to God.” [6]

“Therefore, if anyone [is] in Christ, [he is] a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” [7]

[1] Mark 10:15
[2] Enduring Word Commentary
[3] John 3:3
[4] Enduring Word Commentary
[5] John 3:5-6
[6] Enduring Word Commentary
[7] 2 Corinthians 5:17