Entering the Kingdom of Heaven

This morning we conclude the Sermon on the Mount as we consider Matthew 7:13-29. Jesus wraps up the Sermon on the Mount by giving three analogies to show us there are two ways to live. Disciples of Jesus are to enter through the narrow gate, onto the difficult way of hardship, under the authority of Jesus. Jesus warns us to beware of the false prophets who are like wolves dressed in sheep's clothing. Similar to how the fruit of a tree reveals the kind of tree that it is, over time the fruit of a false prophet will be seen in their life and their influence over others. Eventually, the true nature of what's on the inside will be revealed. Jesus teaches, "You will recognized them by their fruits" (Matthew 7:20). The final illustration Jesus gives is two kinds of builders who build on two different foundations.

The Sermon on the Mount ends with an exhortation from Jesus to believe the gospel and obey his commandments. Disciples of Jesus are those who have entered through the narrow gate into the kingdom of heaven through the person and work of Jesus. They have confessed that salvation is found in Christ alone and they have committed to the narrow path and difficult way of Jesus. The hope and transformative power of the gospel is not in our ability to know God and obey him, but in his sovereign grace and merciful provision in Jesus. We do not enter the kingdom by displaying our mighty works before God, but through our declaration and confession that it is only the mighty work of God in Jesus through the Spirit that allows us to enter the kingdom. We are saved by being united to God through faith and enjoying communion with the Father through his Son, Jesus, in the power of the Holy Spirit.