The heavens, or the space above the Earth, were always thought to be the domain of the spiritual world. In the first 4 books of the New Testament of the Bible (the Gospels), which sets the stage of the Christian understanding of Heaven and frequently refers to Heaven, Matthew is the only book that alludes to the Kingdom of Heaven, whereas the other 3 books use the term, “The Kingdom of God”. As a matter of fact, the Gospels do such a good job painting an image of the Kingdom of Heaven that research into this sacred space from the point of view of other religions is not going to be added at this point. Since the “Kingdom of Heaven” has the feeling of a certain undefined space and the term “The Kingdom of God” could give a feeling of a territory, the Kingdom of Heaven is preferred and used here, although the terms can be used interchangeably.
The references to the Kingdom of Heaven in the New Testament are many and when amalgamated, create a picture of what the Kingdom of Heaven is like in terms of value, actions of how to get there, difficulty in attaining to it, the when, and the where. As it is stated in the New Testament, “the secret of what is the Kingdom of Heaven is locked in the parables”.
There are several passages that state if one knew the value of the Kingdom of Heaven, then one would give up everything for it. These sentences are as follows:
The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who finds a treasure hidden a field, becomes very happy and sells everything he has and buys the field [in order to have that treasure] (Mt 13:44).
The Kingdom of Heaven is like a buyer of fine pearls, who, if he finds a special pearl, sells everything and buys that pearl (Mt 13:45).
“Sell all your belongings and give the money to the poor and save your riches in Heaven".
These passages show the Kingdom of Heaven should be considered of inestimable value in human life. Whatever material goods you have, sell them because the Kingdom of Heaven is to be valued above all else. Again, as to the place the Kingdom of Heaven should be put in any individual’s life, “put His Kingdom first in your life”.
To get into the Kingdom of Heaven, one has to behave in a certain manner. One has to be prepared, as indicated by the parable of the 5 maidens who had sufficient oil in their jars and who were allowed in versus the 5 who were not allowed in because they did not have the oil. Another parable tells the story about a man forgiven for his transgressions who in turn showed no mercy to his fellow man. Therefore, one is expected to treat others as God treats them; that is, fairly and justly (Mt 18:23). When a net is cast into a sea, the good fish are kept, and the others are cast aside (Mt 13:47). This passage illustrates you have to be good, generally speaking. Similarly, the wheat that grows will be taken, but the weeds will not be kept (Mt 13:24). Again, be among the good ones and you will attain to the Kingdom of Heaven.
In addition, one also must receive the Kingdom of Heaven like a child (Mt 19:13), referring to a state of purity and innocence. Generally, then, in today’s language, there must be a state of mind with a freedom of energy flow without cultural filters. To be born again (Jn 3:3) is another reference to gaining this child-like purity of mind. Those desiring entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven are expected to comfort others and to be someone on whom others can depend on (Mt 13:31). As each of us start life as a tiny seed and then grows, the person in the Kingdom of Heaven does not stop growing spiritually. In Mt 21:33, the Kingdom of Heaven will be taken away from those who do not yield fruit and be given to those who will. Spread the Word is what this verse admonishes. Obey the Law and teach others to do the same and you will be great in the Kingdom of Heaven (Mt 14). In Mt 5:20, one must be more faithful than religious leaders if one wants to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The faithful referred to here are those that are not only saying words but living them.
There are two passages which would have us develop the gifts which we are given (Mt 25:24) (Mt 20:1). In the first workers were paid for a day’s work the same whether they were hired at the beginning or end of the day. The second story also shows that those who do what they are supposed to do are rewarded equally and have the same opportunity. Finally, one has to be born of the water and the spirit to obtain to the King of Heaven (Jn 3:3). This phrase eludes to the living water of the spirit which streams through the pure mind of the spiritually advanced.
There is a high degree of difficulty in entering the Kingdom of Heaven. For example, in Mt 22:1, a wedding feast is held, but the guests that could have come easily did not want to, so it is summarized as “many will be called but few will be chosen.” “The gate to the Kingdom of Heaven is narrow and the way is hard” (Mt 7:14), in case there is any question if this is an easy task. As for those who put material wealth above all else, Mt 19:16 states, “It is harder for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle.”
The question arises when the Kingdom of Heaven is supposed to arrive. Speaking of that biblical day, Lu 9:27 states that, “There are some standing here who will not die until they have seen the Kingdom of God,” and Lu 10:09 states that "the Kingdom of God is near you now". Apparently, the Kingdom of Heaven can be readily accessed whenever someone is ready.
Where should we look for our Kingdom? "My Kingdom is not of this world" (Jo 18:36) means not of this seen or material world. "The Kingdom of Heaven is not here, not there, but among you" (Lu 17:21). This Kingdom is apparently not in some far off place, but very close and near. The Kingdom of God does not come in such a way as to be seen because the Kingdom of God is within you”. Apparently it is very close (Mt 24:23), so close and near that it could even be inside of you.
So exactly what is the Kingdom of Heaven? The Kingdom of Heaven should be valued above all else, it is very difficult to enter; one must follow certain expectations; it is in the here and now; finally, several passages allude to something that when entered, increases the value of all humanity. The “Kingdom of Heaven is like yeast, which when mixed with flour caused the whole batch of dough to rise” (Mt 13:33). There is also a reference to the Kingdom of Heaven as a plant that as it grows bears a multitude of fruits or becomes a place where others can gain comfort.
The Gospels have given us an excellent outline for us to know the Kingdom of Heaven in broad paint strokes. The details are in your experience of the Kingdom of Heaven. The exact mechanisms by which one can gain the Kingdom of Heaven is detailed in spiritual practices from around the world so this commentary should hopefully stimulate you to continue your search.
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