Qualifications
Who can be part of God's Kingdom and what it takes
How to Use This Page
Below you'll find key insights about Qualifications in God's Kingdom. Each insight includes scripture references. Click "Show Scripture" to expand and read the full text from the English Standard Version.
Key Insights
These are biblical insights about qualifications in the Kingdom of God, drawn from careful study of Scripture.
The kingdom is made up of people who receive it as a child would. You must receive it like a child would.
Mark 10:14 (ESV)
14 But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.
Luke 18:16-17 (ESV)
16 But Jesus called them to him, saying, Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 17 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.
It is hard for the rich to enter it. You can give up or leave things for the kingdom, and if you do, you will get more than you gave in this life and get eternal life.
Luke 18:25-30 (ESV)
25 For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God. 26 Those who heard it said, Then who can be saved? 27 But he said, What is impossible with man is possible with God. 28 And Peter said, See, we have left our homes and followed you. 29 And he said to them, Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30 who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.
Trusting in riches makes it hard, if not impossible, to enter the kingdom. With man this is impossible, with God all things are possible.
Mark 10:24 (ESV)
24 And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God!
The poor (lowly and afflicted) are blessed because the kingdom is theirs.
Luke 6:20 (ESV)
20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said : Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
Poor in spirit (humble); the kingdom is theirs.
Matthew 5:3 (ESV)
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness; the kingdom is theirs.
Matthew 5:10 (ESV)
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness ’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
The poor can be rich in faith, thus inheriting the kingdom.
James 2:5 (ESV)
5 Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?
God has chosen the poor to be heirs of his kingdom.
James 2:5 (ESV)
5 Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?
Having a noble and good heart causes bearing fruit in the Kingdom.
Luke 8:15 (ESV)
15 As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.
The least is the greatest.
Luke 7:28 (ESV)
28 I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.
Humbling yourself makes you great.
Matthew 18:4 (ESV)
4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Those teaching the commandments are great; those who teach otherwise and break them are the least in the kingdom.
Matthew 5:19 (ESV)
19 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.
Summary
You've explored 12 key insights about Qualifications in God's Kingdom. These truths are foundational to understanding how believers live and operate in the Kingdom today.