“Entering the Kingdom of God” vs “Inheriting the Kingdom of God”

 

“Entering the Kingdom of God” vs “Inheriting the Kingdom of God”

John 3:3–5 – “Unless one is born again… unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”

1 Cor 6:9–10 – “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?... Neither fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, thieves, drunkards, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
Gal 5:19–21 – “The works of the flesh are evident… those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Eph 5:5 – “No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.”
Rom 8:17 – “If children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him that we may also be glorified with Him.” 

Aspect	Entering the Kingdom of God	Inheriting the Kingdom of God
Meaning	To enter the realm of God’s rule through regeneration, becoming citizens of His kingdom—this is the beginning of divine life and submission to God’s authority.	To inherit the kingdom through growth, maturity, holiness, and faithfulness in divine life—this is the result and reward of a matured spiritual life.
Qualification	Simply being born again by the Spirit. 👉 “Jesus answered, Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) 👉 “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5)	Requires growth and maturity in the divine life and walking in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. 👉 “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?” (1 Cor. 6:9) 👉 “Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Gal. 5:21) 👉 “No immoral, impure or greedy person has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” (Eph. 5:5)
Distinction	“Entering” is by grace—an entrance into the kingdom by faith and new birth; all believers share this.	“Inheriting” is by growth—an attainment of reward and glory for the mature and victorious believers.
Privilege	Receives the position of belonging to God’s kingdom, living under His rule (cf. Col. 1:13).	Receives the inheritance, the glory, and the participation in God’s reign in the coming age (Matt. 25:34; Rev. 20:4).
Examples	- Nicodemus was told to be born again to enter the kingdom (John 3:1–7). - “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22)	- Paul warned believers that fleshly works disqualify them from inheriting the kingdom (1 Cor. 6:9–10; Gal. 5:19–21; Eph. 5:5). - Peter exhorted believers to grow in virtues so that “an abundant entrance into the eternal kingdom” would be supplied (2 Pet. 1:5–11).
Application	Believers should rest assured that by faith they have been regenerated and transferred into the kingdom (Col. 1:13); they should live daily under the Spirit’s ruling.	Believers should grow in life, put to death the deeds of the flesh, and live out righteousness, peace, and joy in the Spirit (Rom. 14:17), so that at the Lord’s return they may inherit the kingdom and its reward (Matt. 25:21).
Mutual Relation	Entering is the beginning of life —the entrance into the kingdom.	Inheriting is the completion of life—the enjoyment of the kingdom’s glory. One cannot inherit without first entering; entrance is the seed, inheritance is the harvest.
Key Points	Entering the kingdom is God’s gift of grace, the outcome of regeneration.	Inheriting the kingdom is God’s reward of righteousness, the result of maturity and faithfulness.
Detailed Scriptures	🔹 Matt 18:3 – “Unless you turn and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” 🔹 Col 1:13 – “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.” 🔹 Acts 14:22 – “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”	🔹 2 Pet 1:11 – “For in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly supplied to you.” 🔹 Matt 25:21, 34 – “Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your master.” / “Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”

 

Conclusion: 

Entering the kingdom belongs to salvation, the aspect of grace and position.

Inheriting the kingdom belongs to reward and glory, the aspect of maturity and overcoming. Every believer should progress from entering to inheriting.

 

*Please refer to the International Elders and Responsible Brothers Training in May 2025. General Topic: Vital Aspects of Matthew 5-7. Week 2: The Blessings of Those Who Mourn, the Blessings of the Meek, and the Blessings of the Peacemakers Who Are Called Sons of God.