Who will enter the Kingdom of Heaven?

In Matthew 7 : 15 - 23, Jesus told a parable of a tree and its fruit. In this story, Jesus teaches us two things.

1. Watch out for false prophets (Matthew 7 : 15)
Jesus has warned us to beware of false prophets. In today's world, we have witnessed that there are people who preach and mislead others, through their teachings and religious practices (e.g religious sects). So, beware of those false prophets.

How can we know which prophets are false? Jesus gave us a rule of thumb.

'By their fruit you will recognize them... Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit... A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit... Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.' (Matthew 7 : 16 - 20).

So what are the fruits?

In Galatians 6 : 22 - 23, it is clearly said that,

The fruit of the spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control.

We may use this principle as one of our guidance.

2. It is important to follow God's Will
In the verse 21 - 23, Jesus said,

'Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord', will enter the kingdom of heaven... but only he who does the will of my Father (God) who is in heaven... Many will say to me on that day (referring to judgement day), 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evil-doers!'

From these verses, we all can see that what matters to God is whether you do and you live according to His Will. If we are not living according to His Will, we will not enter the kingdom of Heaven.

Then, if we see in the second part of the readings, there will be people who are doing things in His Name, but God will not recognize them. Again, it is clear that God asks us to follow His Will, instead of merely doing things in His Name. God does not find favor in people who are doing things in His Name, but not according to His Will.

How can we know His Will? Through His Living Words (Bible), Prayers, and Life Experiences.

So, what God wants to see from us is our obedience to His Will and His Plans for us.

God never plans to fail us. All His plans are good for us.

God bless you.