We’ve been facilitating small groups for 2 decades, and we’ve encountered different persons with varying appetites for Scripture. Some are hard pressed to try; others are voracious. But it comes to no surprise to us; indeed, it may be daunting and dreadful at first, particularly if unaided. Take Leviticus and Numbers. They may be hard to read and accept; it seems the conditions of the Law are impossible and futile. Through teaching, continuous encouragement, and reminder, a shift in perspective occurs. It helps to know that the entire Bible is His story—the Old Testament a prelude to the New Testament. Every word ties together from beginning to end. And that God’s promises are partial, progressive, and conditional.
God tested Abraham if he would obey him and sacrifice Isaac, his only son whom he loved.1 There was a poignant moment when Isaac asked his father Abraham, “My father!” . . . “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?”2 The question was never answered until the proper time thousands of years later. The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!3 In the OT, God through Moses laid out the duties of priests and Levites. Specific and strict adherence were detailed for purification through blood and water. But the firstborn of the cow, or the firstborn of a sheep, or the firstborn of a goat, you shall not redeem; they are holy. You shall sprinkle their blood on the altar . . .4 And the clean person shall sprinkle it on the unclean . . . he shall cleanse him, and he shall wash his clothes and bathe himself in water, and at evening he shall be clean.5 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead . . . one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water.6 . . . After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.7
Admittedly or not, it is our aspiration to be in God’s presence for eternity. Valid. And God clearly enumerates his conditions:
1. Be Righteous. For I tell you unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven8 (Paul described himself as a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; . . . as to righteousness under the law, blameless.9 Gamaliel was a Pharisee and teacher of the law held in honor by all the people. He schooled Paul.10). Tall order, isn’t it? Didn’t Jesus even raise the bar further? “You have heard . . . ‘You shall not murder . . .’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment . . .11 Guilty! “You have heard . . . ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.12 Guilty! Who then qualifies?
2. Be Childlike. Truly, I say to you, unless you turn [repent] and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.13 What is it that children have; why them? Is it their innocence, humility, or dependence? Is it because they are trusting and forgiving? Is it their imagination, belief, or creativity? Is it their courage and perseverance? Is it because they are curious and teachable?
3. Be Born-Again. Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus . . . Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.14 What does it mean to be born-again? It means being transformed by the renewal of mind.15 It means knowledge of God and Jesus Christ.16 It means surrender and receiving the gift of salvation.17 It means believing and confessing Jesus as Lord and Savior.18
Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law of the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.19
Notes:
1. Genesis 22
2. Genesis 22:7
3. John 1:29
4. Numbers 18:17
5. Numbers 19:19
6. John 19:33-34
7. Hebrews 1:3
8. Matthew 5:20
9. Philippians 3:4-6
10. Acts 5:34; 22:3
11. Matthew 5:21-22
12. Matthew 5:27-30
13. Matthew 18:1-6
14. John 3:1-14
15. Romans 12:1-2
16. John 17:3
17. Ephesians 2:8-9
18. Romans 10:8-10
19. Matthew 5:17-19
Thanks, Twicsy.