The Kingdom of God and Eternal Life: Are they the same or are they different realities? They are the same in so far as both are in the same lone of blessedness as opposed to eternal damnation. However, differences may be noted between the two in the sense that there is a difference in intensity of the blessedness achieved by the two states. In entering eternal life one is at the first step of blessedness , whereas in entering the Kingdom of God (Heaven) one is at the threshold of God's throne of bliss, beauty, truth and justice (See Revelation, chapter, 4). Let us examine a few examples from the Bible in order to understand the two states of blessedness in the right perspective.
The New Life: From the discussion Jesus had with Nicodemus, we know that to see the Kingdom of God and to enter it one needs to be born again from the spirit as against the flesh. As a first step, however, faith in the crucified Son of Man would bestow eternal life to a person. Such a person would naturally come out into the light so that his or her actions may be publicly seen (See John, 3: 1-21). The Holy Spirit given by Jesus is the living water welling up for eternal life as it originates from an inner spring (See John, 4:14). We are welcome to start eternal life already now that will continue forever. "In very truth, anyone who gives heed to what I say and puts his trust in him who sent me has hold of eternal life, and does not come up for judgment, but has already passed from death to life" (John, 5: 24). These words of Jesus should urge us to proclaim the Gospel so that people may have a chance of obtaining eternal life. It is so simple and yet so demanding as we have to take care not to come in the way of the Word of God and the people. For it may come about that our self impedes the working of the power of God as Paul says: "Christ did not send me to baptize, but to proclaim the Gospel; and to do it without relying on the language of worldly wisdom, so that the fact of Christ on his cross might have its full weight" (1 Corinthians, 1: 17).
What is comparable to John's being born again for entering the Kingdom of God is "becoming like children" for the same in the Synoptic Gospels We have treated in one of the previous Posts about becoming like children in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Kingdom of God or of Heaven is much more than entering eternal life of which it is a culmination and crowning glory. Faith is the foundation for both and yet we can enhance our status by co-operating with the graces given to us by God. A rich Jew who wanted to gain eternal life was advised by Jesus to keep the commandments. Over and above that he wanted to know whether anything was lacking in him. Jesus asked him to sell all his possessions and give to the poor, if he wanted to be perfect. His reward would be riches in heaven and he could then follow Jesus. Since he was a man of great wealth, he could not follow the instructions of Jesus and he went away with a heavy heart (See Matthew, 19: 16-22).
From the above instance, we find a difference between eternal life and heaven, though only in degree, that is again confirmed by what Jesus says further about the impossibility for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. By keeping all the commandments from his youth, the rich Jew was eligible to enter eternal life. And yet, he was found wanting in entering the Kingdom of God or of Heaven because his heart was attached to his possessions on earth. Jesus adds a word of consolation about the possibility of salvation as everything is possible for God (See Matthew, 19: 23-26).
The Reward: Further, we find the question posed by Peter about leaving everything and following Jesus. The reward for the twelve Apostles of Jesus will be twelve thrones on which they would sit and judge the twelve tribes of Israel. On the contrary, all those who leave everything and follow Jesus thereafter were promised only eternal life and hundred folds of everything they left here in this very life. Besides, an element of surprise would be awaiting everyone because many who were first would be last, and the last first (See Matthew, 19: 27-30). The gradation in heaven is a reality and yet the criterion for the same would be beyond our expectations although it would be most just and fair in every way. (To be Contd).
The New Life: From the discussion Jesus had with Nicodemus, we know that to see the Kingdom of God and to enter it one needs to be born again from the spirit as against the flesh. As a first step, however, faith in the crucified Son of Man would bestow eternal life to a person. Such a person would naturally come out into the light so that his or her actions may be publicly seen (See John, 3: 1-21). The Holy Spirit given by Jesus is the living water welling up for eternal life as it originates from an inner spring (See John, 4:14). We are welcome to start eternal life already now that will continue forever. "In very truth, anyone who gives heed to what I say and puts his trust in him who sent me has hold of eternal life, and does not come up for judgment, but has already passed from death to life" (John, 5: 24). These words of Jesus should urge us to proclaim the Gospel so that people may have a chance of obtaining eternal life. It is so simple and yet so demanding as we have to take care not to come in the way of the Word of God and the people. For it may come about that our self impedes the working of the power of God as Paul says: "Christ did not send me to baptize, but to proclaim the Gospel; and to do it without relying on the language of worldly wisdom, so that the fact of Christ on his cross might have its full weight" (1 Corinthians, 1: 17).
What is comparable to John's being born again for entering the Kingdom of God is "becoming like children" for the same in the Synoptic Gospels We have treated in one of the previous Posts about becoming like children in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Kingdom of God or of Heaven is much more than entering eternal life of which it is a culmination and crowning glory. Faith is the foundation for both and yet we can enhance our status by co-operating with the graces given to us by God. A rich Jew who wanted to gain eternal life was advised by Jesus to keep the commandments. Over and above that he wanted to know whether anything was lacking in him. Jesus asked him to sell all his possessions and give to the poor, if he wanted to be perfect. His reward would be riches in heaven and he could then follow Jesus. Since he was a man of great wealth, he could not follow the instructions of Jesus and he went away with a heavy heart (See Matthew, 19: 16-22).
From the above instance, we find a difference between eternal life and heaven, though only in degree, that is again confirmed by what Jesus says further about the impossibility for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. By keeping all the commandments from his youth, the rich Jew was eligible to enter eternal life. And yet, he was found wanting in entering the Kingdom of God or of Heaven because his heart was attached to his possessions on earth. Jesus adds a word of consolation about the possibility of salvation as everything is possible for God (See Matthew, 19: 23-26).
The Reward: Further, we find the question posed by Peter about leaving everything and following Jesus. The reward for the twelve Apostles of Jesus will be twelve thrones on which they would sit and judge the twelve tribes of Israel. On the contrary, all those who leave everything and follow Jesus thereafter were promised only eternal life and hundred folds of everything they left here in this very life. Besides, an element of surprise would be awaiting everyone because many who were first would be last, and the last first (See Matthew, 19: 27-30). The gradation in heaven is a reality and yet the criterion for the same would be beyond our expectations although it would be most just and fair in every way. (To be Contd).
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